Expresses deep concern over slow progress in justice, institutional blindness, weak data, fragmented accountability, reluctance to act due to fear of racism labels. Criticises recent ministerial Home Office resignations and early release of convicted abusers.

Concerned about Northumbria police's resources and support regarding child exploitation, investigation culture, openness, transparency.

Critiques lack of progress a year after Baroness Casey’s audit, urges implementation of previous inquiries' recommendations at pace without delay.

Victims and survivors absolutely must be at the heart of this inquiry. How are they being put at the centre of this work in practice, are they being provided with access to support, and what meaningful opportunities do they have to shape the outcomes of the inquiry?

I sat on the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee for 14 years. We saw the first exposé of the scandals of the grooming gangs, particularly in Rochdale and other places in the north of England. Dame Louise Casey came in front of us and made recommendations that have still not been carried out, so full power to the Minister to actually make this happen. The sad reality is that police forces are resisting the collection of ethnicity data, and indeed investigations into those who turned a blind eye to what was going on with the grooming gangs. Will the Minister ensure that police forces carry out their duties properly and that those who turned a blind eye to what was going on are brought to justice?

The Minister mentioned institutional blindness to these horrific crimes. Will she outline how this vital inquiry’s terms of reference have been designed to ensure a thorough examination of those institutional failings, which meant that action was not taken to protect children?

The abuse of children is the most disgusting of crimes. The hon. Member for Great Yarmouth published his report this week, and my constituents are eager to understand why the statutory inquiry will take three years—[Interruption.] Another two years—several years. Why is the Government-backed inquiry going to take so long?

The grooming gangs represent the most profound betrayal of some of the most vulnerable people in our society. Justice was denied while perpetrators escaped accountability. Can the Minister provide an update on Operation Beaconport and explain how its work is helping to identify offenders, secure justice for victims, and strengthen the national response?

For the inquiry to secure justice for victims and survivors in Wales, it is essential that it fully understands the devolved context in Wales and the various lines of accountability. Will the Minister consider a specific investigation as one of the inquiry’s designated local areas?

Does the Minister believe that the inquiry has the appropriate powers and flexibility to allow it to follow the evidence, wherever it leads, so that the recommendations can drive lasting improvements in safeguarding and child protection? Is she in dialogue with the Scottish Government on these matters?

I echo comments about how disgusting these crimes are. Lady Casey has identified how, in quashing convictions, the Government have failed to take account of the whole picture. Could she encourage people around her to engage in professional curiosity and look further than just the very first or main conviction?

The Minister has referred to the grooming gangs inquiry carried out by our friend, the hon. Member for Great Yarmouth. If my area is not included in initial inquiries but I still want to ensure families get justice, how am I best placed to do that via the Department and the Minister?

The Minister has referred to the grooming gangs inquiry carried out by our friend, the hon. Member for Great Yarmouth, and early-day motion 380 makes a number of recommendations. Will the Minister engage with the hon. Member to ensure that his ideas and recommendations can be taken forward?

My thoughts are with the victims of the despicable grooming gangs. Does my hon. Friend agree that, despite the numerous actions that this Government have taken to protect women and girls, hon. Members sometimes use language, both inside and outside the House, that allows the spread online of tropes about my party and hon. Members on this side that—I speak from personal experience here—have real-world implications? Those online tropes affect the behaviour of people in the real world. Does she agree that it is incumbent on right hon. and hon. Members, both inside and outside the House, to use temperate language?

I thank the Minister very much for her encouraging answers, and put on record that no one doubts her commitment to delivering justice. We thank her for it. What urgent steps will the Government take to action the recommendations on the mandatory ethnicity recording of offenders and the deportation of all foreign national perpetrators, and those relating to the full institutional failures by the police, the social services, local authorities and the NHS? Will she follow through with a national public inquiry, with subpoena powers?