Photo credit: www.theguardian.com

A Week in Politics: Reactions to Child Sexual Abuse Inquiry Recommendations

In the recent political climate, one might sense a familiar rhythm, even amidst some peculiar triggers, especially with tech billionaires diving into sensitive discussions. The resurgence of focus on long-standing issues, particularly regarding child sexual abuse, illustrates a complex dance in Westminster. While political leaders rush to announce the implementation of recommendations from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), they appear reluctant to tackle the question of grooming gangs through another inquiry.

Resistance to inquiries seems to be a recurring phase for governments embroiled in scandals. The initial approach usually involves dismissing the need for further investigation under the premise that it would not yield new insights and would drain resources. However, history shows a trend—governments eventually concede to establish at least a non-statutory inquiry, only to find that such measures lack the power to summon witnesses under oath, inevitably leading to a fuller inquiry down the line. This pattern has been evident in various public inquiries, including the harrowing Mid Staffs case and ongoing investigations into mental health fatalities in Essex.

Indeed, the tendency to defer action until an external event reignites discussions is not a new phenomenon. Names like Elon Musk may draw attention to issues, but more often than not, it is significant media coverage or cultural productions that push political agendas into the spotlight. An ITV drama about the Post Office serves as a reminder that scandals can be pushed to the forefront, only to dissipate without substantial action being taken.

The past week in Parliament saw conversations centered around which politicians demonstrate greater concern for white working-class girls victimized by grooming gangs. However, the focus seemed misaligned, predominantly fixating on acknowledgment rather than proposing effective investigations or preventive measures for the future.

A notable moment came when Yvette Cooper addressed the House of Commons, stressing the importance of actionable change rather than mere announcements. The Home Secretary highlighted the necessity for genuine progress, rebuking the common Westminster practice of substituting mere rhetoric for tangible actions. Her announcement, despite its significance, seemed to arise under the pressures of a politically charged environment rather than from an earnest commitment to long-term reforms, especially given that IICSA had made its recommendations known in 2022.

It is astonishing that two years have elapsed with minimal government reaction to IICSA’s findings. Typically, responses to public inquiries invite ministerial statements reflecting on past mistakes, accompanied by promises to scrutinize recommendations—often leading to inaction. For instance, a Labour government announced in August 2024 that reforms in death certification would require independent reviews for all deaths in England and Wales, echoing a similar lack of urgency in tackling systemic issues.

The Shipman Inquiry, released 21 years ago, exemplifies this troubling inertia. Politicians’ hollow vows of “never again” after its report were quickly forgotten, as evidenced by the prolonged delays in implementing crucial recommendations. Victims’ families grew frustrated when the government postponed necessary changes yet again, citing impending elections as an obstruction, despite advances in knowledge regarding the electoral timeline.

Reflecting on experiences from past high-profile inquiries, such as the Chilcot report on the Iraq War, one is reminded that although the initial reactions may be intense, they often give way to a cyclical forgetfulness, particularly in cases of military interventions that overlook previous learnings. The disorganized withdrawal from Afghanistan stood as a stark reminder that lessons remain unlearned.

While there is a necessity for robust responses to inquiries, the parliamentary system lacks a structured approach to ensure the implementation of reforms. Current mechanisms provide no clear deadlines or required progress reports, enabling a culture where recommendations can languish for years, as has been seen with police reform proposals, which have begun to be addressed only now.

Thus, in discussing whether another national inquiry into grooming gangs is warranted, it becomes evident that the vital question may not be about the existence of another inquiry at all. Instead, Westminster must critically assess its capacity to enact meaningful changes that embody the phrase “never again.” The repeated evidence suggests that without decisive action, these promises remain mere platitudes devoid of substance.

Source
www.theguardian.com