Minister Denies Burnham's Request for Grooming Investigation
Minister Rejects Burnham's Call for Grooming Inquiry
The cabinet minister has rejected a call from Labour's Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham for a new national inquiry into grooming gangs, while leaving the door open for a future investigation "if it's needed".
Support for Existing Recommendations
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy disagreed with Burnham's proposal for a fresh inquiry into historical child sexual abuse in areas like Oldham and Rochdale in Greater Manchester. The Conservatives and Reform UK have supported implementing the 2022 recommendations of a seven-year inquiry led by Professor Alexis Jay into child sexual abuse.
MPs Vote Against New Grooming Gangs Inquiry
MPs recently voted against a Tory motion for a fresh national investigation. Burnham suggested a "limited national inquiry" focusing on specific issues that previous reviews had highlighted. Nandy acknowledged Burnham's perspective but emphasized the comprehensive nature of the Jay inquiry.
Government's Stance on Future Inquiries
When asked about ruling out another inquiry, Ms. Nandy highlighted the hidden and secretive nature of child abuse, suggesting that more revelations might emerge in the future. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced plans to implement mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse based on Prof Jay's recommendations.
Survivors' Perspective
While survivors have expressed a desire for action, Nandy stressed the importance of implementing existing recommendations before considering a new inquiry. The government aims to prioritize concrete actions over further discussions, acknowledging the need for timely responses to address child sexual abuse.
Conclusion
As discussions continue regarding the possibility of future inquiries, the government remains focused on addressing the urgent need for action against child sexual abuse. Balancing survivor voices with the implementation of existing recommendations is crucial in ensuring a comprehensive response to this critical issue.
