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Child Sexual Exploitation: Bradford
26 October 2021
Lead MP
Robbie Moore
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
Safeguarding & DBSParliamentary ProcedureChildren & FamiliesLocal Government
Other Contributors: 2
At a Glance
Robbie Moore raised concerns about child sexual exploitation: bradford in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Madam Deputy Speaker, I thank you and Mr Speaker for granting this urgent debate on child sexual exploitation in Keighley and across the Bradford district. The MP emphasised that the issue of child sexual exploitation is abhorrent and has been allowed to persist under the watch of local authorities and community leaders for far too long. He called out predominantly Pakistani Muslim men for sexually exploiting young children, urging a full Rotherham-style inquiry into the problem. He cited examples of girls being repeatedly abused in care and highlighted the inadequacies of Bradford Council's child protection services, which have been rated inadequate by Ofsted multiple times. The MP urged decisive action to protect victims and restore trust in authorities.
Rachel Maclean
Lab
Wythenshawe and Sale East
Thanked the lead MP for securing the debate, commended him for his perseverance and powerful speech, and highlighted the need for a full Rotherham-style inquiry.
Sarah Champion
Lab
Rotherham
Paid tribute to her efforts in pushing for an independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Rotherham.
Government Response
Safeguarding & DBSParliamentary ProcedureChildren & FamiliesLocal Government
Government Response
Madam Deputy Speaker, that was a powerful debate. The whole House clearly wants action to occur now. It is not often that we are all in such agreement.
The Minister for Safeguarding acknowledged the harrowing testimony and stated that there have been significant improvements since the early 2000s but much further to go. She emphasised Bradford Council's responsibility to trigger an independent inquiry similar to Rotherham, reiterating their moral duty to protect children from harm. The Government supports local areas in understanding and tackling threats by funding prevention programmes and regional analysts to improve collaboration and identify specific risks.
The Minister highlighted the importance of data collection for ethnicity and the complexity of these crimes. She mentioned the publication of a tackling child sexual abuse strategy, aiming for increased reporting, more offenders brought to justice, improved victim support, and reduced prevalence of offences. The Government is funding training for senior officers on issues of safeguarding and public protection.
She acknowledged the new multi-agency safeguarding partnerships established by the Children and Social Work Act 2017 and cited prevention work in Bradford, such as the £13.2 million trusted relationships fund supporting at-risk children. The Minister expressed her commitment to ensuring Bradford Council does what is morally responsible and in its power to do.
Finally, she thanked all Members for their contributions and reiterated her determination to confront these crimes wherever they occur.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.