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Rotherham Labour MP Advocates for Community-Led Investigation into Grooming Gangs on National Level


Sarah Champion has proposed a national ‘Telford-style’ inquiry rolled out by the Home Office to areas that trigger the threshold for greater scrutiny.

The Labour MP for Rotherham has called for a national inquiry into grooming gangs, citing child sexual abuse in the UK as “endemic.”

Champion is advocating for a nationwide inquiry led locally to investigate the failures of authorities regarding grooming gangs.

She has suggested a national “Telford-style” inquiry managed by the Home Office for areas that meet the criteria for increased scrutiny.

The results of these inquiries would be presented to the Home Office for a national response.

“Child sexual abuse is widespread in the UK and should be addressed as a national priority,” Champion emphasized.

“There is a significant lack of trust from the public towards governments and authorities in preventing and prosecuting child abuse, particularly child sexual exploitation.”

She has outlined a five-point plan, including a national inquiry and a “national audit” to review the existence of grooming gangs or overlooked cases.

Champion stated that local inquiries do not have the authority to compel witnesses and do not alleviate concerns about potential cover-ups.

Triggers for local inquiries could involve self-referrals from local councils or police, or concerns raised by an independent panel.

Reports from victims or survivors could also prompt an inquiry according to Champion’s proposal.

Pressure has increased on the prime minister to initiate an inquiry specifically focused on grooming gangs following criticisms from billionaire Elon Musk earlier this year.

Dan Carden, a Labour MP representing Liverpool Walton, recently supported calls for a national inquiry.

Although Downing Street acknowledged the weight of Champion’s views due to her extensive experience, they are committed to following the guidance of victims and survivors in taking action.

At this time, Sir Keir Starmer is not in favor of a new inquiry, opting to concentrate on implementing the recommendations of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) chaired by Professor Alexis Jay.

Champion urged the government to provide a timeline for implementing the recommendations and allocate resources accordingly.

She also called for a reassessment of the effectiveness of existing laws in protecting children and prosecuting offenders.

Champion stressed the importance of understanding the nature of this crime and the failures in the response of public bodies to fully protect children.

She emphasized the necessity of a national inquiry to examine the shortcomings of authorities in preventing and being held accountable for failures related to grooming gangs.

Jay had previously produced a report on grooming gangs in Rotherham in 2014 and later chaired the national IICSA, which reported its findings in 2022.

The IICSA’s supplemental report on abuse by organized networks spanned 200 pages.

Jay has expressed reluctance towards another national inquiry, cautioning that it could delay the implementation of her recommendations.



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