Statement: National Audit on Group-Based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

Statement from Paul Foster MP  National Audit on Group-Based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

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Victims and survivors of exploitation and abuse must always be front and centre in our efforts to root out these vile crimes, wherever they occur.

I want to be absolutely clear about my position. In January, I voted against a Conservative amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. Some have claimed that Labour MPs voted against holding a national inquiry into historical child sexual exploitation, specifically grooming gangs. This is simply untrue.

Labour MPs opposed a motion that would have undermined the entire Bill, a Bill which includes vital measures to strengthen child safeguarding and put into practice recommendations from the Alexis Jay Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.

I felt that this would be a grave disservice to victims and survivors and distracts from what really matters - protecting children and securing justice.

Baroness Louise Casey’s report has made it painfully clear that grooming gangs continue to blight communities across the country. I fully support the recommendations set out in the National Audit on Group-Based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, and I welcome the Government’s commitment to implement them in full.

We must now see these recommendations turned into real action and change - and ensure that justice is delivered, without fear or favour.

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