Context
The issue of child sexual exploitation and abuse has been highlighted, particularly in the context of historical cover-ups by religious institutions. There is opposition from senior figures within political parties to local and national inquiries into rape gangs.
Question
If she will establish a national statutory inquiry into rape gangs.
Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Jess Phillips)
Child sexual exploitation and abuse are the most horrific crimes, and the Government are taking decisive action to ensure that victims and survivors of grooming gangs get the justice they deserve. This includes delivering on key recommendations from the seven-year independent inquiry into child sexual abuse, such as mandatory reporting; all police forces in England and Wales have been asked to review historical cases where no further action was taken and to reopen investigations; Baroness Louise Casey has been commissioned to conduct a national audit of the nature and scale of grooming gangs. We will leave no stone unturned in pursuit of truth and justice.
Not addressed: The answerer did not explicitly commit to establishing a national statutory inquiry as requested, instead focusing on ongoing actions and audits.
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