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A barrister engaged in developing local investigations into child grooming gangs has expressed his uncertainties regarding his role, asking a government official, “Do you still want me?” This inquiry reflects growing concerns about the progress of these investigations.
In January, the government designated Tom Crowther KC to collaborate with the Home Office on addressing this pressing issue.
During a recent Commons committee session, Mr. Crowther indicated that despite the passage of nearly three months, there has been minimal advancement in tackling the problems at hand.
The Home Office announced plans to present a report on the progress in addressing child sexual abuse in Parliament next week.
Mr. Crowther previously chaired an inquiry into child sexual abuse in Telford, Shropshire, where his 2022 findings revealed that over 1,000 girls had been subjected to abuse over a 30-year span, highlighting severe failures by both the police and local authorities.
This issue gained renewed attention earlier this year when tech magnate Elon Musk called for a national inquiry into grooming gangs through his X social media platform.
Subsequently, both the Conservative Party and several members of the Labour Party joined in calling for an inquiry. On January 6, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced that Mr. Crowther had consented to work with the government and local councils where formal investigations were deemed necessary.
On January 16, further details emerged revealing that Mr. Crowther would partner with the Home Office to create a victim-centered framework for local inquiries, beginning with Oldham council in Greater Manchester, alongside four additional pilot areas yet to be disclosed.
While discussing the significance of the Telford report and its potential as a model for broader inquiries into child sexual exploitation, Mr. Crowther recounted how the announcement of his appointment came just hours after it was offered to him via a phone call from a minister.
He detailed that he had repeatedly requested further information from officials regarding his responsibilities. In a February 14 conversation with a Home Office official, Mr. Crowther posed the question, “Do you still want me?”
According to Mr. Crowther, he was informed that while the framework for these inquiries would be developed by ministers and advisers, his feedback would be welcomed. However, he mentioned that a promised follow-up email did not materialize.
He is set to meet with the Home Office on Wednesday to discuss his role further.
Additionally, he took the initiative to connect with the leader of Oldham council, and he recently confirmed that he would spearhead the inquiry in that area.
However, uncertainties remain about when the additional locations for locally-led inquiries will be disclosed.
A spokeswoman for the Home Office reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the “horrific crime” of child sexual abuse.
She indicated that the government would provide an update next week regarding progress, including the implementation of recommendations from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.
Furthermore, she mentioned ongoing collaboration with local areas, including Telford, to establish a national framework supporting additional local inquiries, supported by a £5 million fund aimed at enhancing local responses to child sexual exploitation.
Moreover, a nationwide review led by Baroness Louise Casey is underway, analyzing the demographics of grooming gangs, their victims, and the cultural factors contributing to the issue. This review is expected to be completed by April.
The Home Office has stated that significant progress has been made in this review, and findings will be presented to ministers in due course.
Source
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