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Question
Underlines that victims, especially young girls, are at the heart of this issue. Describes horrific crimes committed by men mainly of Pakistani origin, including a case where a 12-year-old girl was raped and abused by an illegal immigrant who was arrested instead of her rapist.
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Question
Why were those responsible for protecting children so negligent, and how will the inquiry ensure that local authorities have sufficient funding for investigations and child protection measures?
Minister reply
The shadow secretary is right to highlight the failures of previous authorities. The inquiry will seek ultimate accountability for these failures. Regarding funding, while billions have been invested in child protection, we will respond to any recommendations made by the inquiry on necessary resources.
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Question
How will the Government ensure the inquiry's independence and avoid stigmatising entire communities while thoroughly investigating these matters?
Minister reply
The inquiry will be fully independent, free from political pressures. We have engaged with previous panel members who resigned to offer them opportunities to rejoin if they wish. The focus is on thorough investigation without undermining community cohesion efforts.
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Jim McMahon
Lab/Co-op
Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton
Question
The announcement of the chair, panel, terms of reference and timelines are welcome. Survivors have waited to engage in the formal process, and it is important for them that the inquiry leaves no stone unturned, is not restricted by time and follows the evidence wherever it may lead.
Minister reply
On my hon. Friend’s point about cross-border offending, I can absolutely reassure him that it will not be allowed to slip through the net.
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Question
I thank the Home Secretary for her statement and welcome the appointment of Baroness Longfield as chair. What would happen if new evidence or a new issue arises during one of the local inquiries? Will it be possible to go back and look at previous inquiries, including those that have already completed?
Minister reply
I assure her that victims and survivors will be at the heart of the inquiry; that is clear in the draft terms of reference. There will also be a charter created by the chair and panel.
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Question
I strongly welcome the appointment of Anne Longfield as the chair of the new independent inquiry into national grooming gangs. As the Home Secretary said, the key is to find the facts and follow the evidence, wherever it leads. Does the Home Secretary agree that we must hold to account anyone who ignored these crimes, and that no council, police officer, social worker or racial group should ever be exempt from the scrutiny of this new inquiry?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is absolutely right, and I strongly endorse every point he just made.
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Question
The Home Secretary knows that I admire her personally. She is a devout Muslim lady, and I share many of her values. What is it about these Muslim men that meant that they felt that they could behave in this way? Can she explain that this is—if it is—a very small minority?
Minister reply
There is nothing Muslim or Islamic about the acts that these evil men have perpetrated.
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Question
I commend the Home Secretary for the tone in which she has approached this very sensitive subject. I met victims and survivors in West Yorkshire who want action, implementation of past inquiries' findings, learning from good practice, and ongoing engagement. I invite Baroness Longfield to come and listen to the victims and survivors in Bradford and West Yorkshire.
Minister reply
I am sure that the chair and panel have heard my hon. Friend’s request that they visit the area.
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Question
Will the Home Secretary update the House on progress in establishing a child protection authority? Will she also reassure parents that children’s data will be used solely for safety purposes?
Minister reply
The establishment of a child protection authority is imminent and there will be an update soon. The unique identifier is designed to keep children safe, not for any other purpose.
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Question
Will the inquiry liaise with colleagues in Scotland and ensure that Home Office officials support Scottish inquiries? Abusers work across borders, so we must too.
Minister reply
The inquiry will make national recommendations but matters pertaining to local authorities are devolved. Best practice will be shared where possible.
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Question
Will the Home Secretary support a return of the national inquiry to Telford and Wrekin? Will she commit that the inquiry will still report if there is an election in May 2029?
Minister reply
I cannot make commitments for the panel, but they will set out criteria for local investigations. The three-year timetable remains unchanged regardless of any elections.
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Question
What is the participation plan for victims and survivors? How are discussions progressing with the Ministry of Justice to ensure that reinvestigations proceed at pace?
Minister reply
Victims will be involved through a charter set by Baroness Longfield. We are working closely with the Ministry of Justice to avoid delays in justice.
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Question
Will Baroness Longfield see our letter urging for an immediate investigation into Keighley and Bradford district? Can we arrange a meeting at the earliest opportunity?
Minister reply
I will not commit on behalf of Baroness Longfield, but she will set criteria for local investigations. She will hear all representations.
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Question
What progress has the Government made on implementing recommendations from IICSA and what steps are being taken to strengthen charity regulations?
Minister reply
We are pressing ahead with implementation of IICSA recommendations and will meet to discuss strengthening charity regulations.
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Question
Will the Minister for Safeguarding be called as a witness in the inquiry, given that she voted against an earlier investigation?
Minister reply
The Minister for Safeguarding will happily discuss any relevant matters with those interested and is willing to provide evidence.
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Question
Will the Home Secretary ensure that previous inquiries' findings and recommendations are implemented, ensuring justice for victims?
Minister reply
The Government will continue working on implementing previous recommendations and will take necessary actions based on new evidence.
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Question
Will the Home Secretary pay tribute to Ann Cryer, who spoke out about grooming gangs in 2003?
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges Ann Cryer's courage and recognises her contributions to exposing these crimes and state failures.
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Question
Will the inquiry be able to respond to new information as it comes forward, addressing current failings in child protection?
Minister reply
The inquiry will pursue new evidence or information that comes to light and work closely with law enforcement and other authorities.
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Question
How will the Government ensure full cooperation from local authorities in areas known for under-reporting and cover-up?
Minister reply
No local authority can resist a local investigation if that is what the inquiry chair and panel wish to conduct.
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Question
Will the Home Secretary work with the Department for Transport on legislation to close loopholes in taxi regulations?
Minister reply
The minister is committed to working closely with her colleagues in the DfT to ensure fit-for-purpose legislation.
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Question
Will this UK Government extend their inquiry to cover all parts of the UK, addressing failures across devolved bodies?
Minister reply
The inquiry will take into account that grooming gangs do not respect boundaries, and discussions will be held with Scottish colleagues.
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Question
Is £65 million sufficient for the inquiry, and how will updates on progress be communicated to MPs?
Minister reply
The correct level of resources has been made available, and updates will be provided within the agreed three-year timeframe.
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Question
What steps will be taken across Government while this inquiry is ongoing to support victims?
Minister reply
Operation Beaconport is up and running, and a victim's charter will set out the way in which the inquiry engages with victims and survivors.
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Question
Will the Home Secretary meet to discuss how their independent inquiry might assist the national inquiry?
Minister reply
The statutory inquiry is the one initiated by this Government, and any relevant evidence collected should be made available.