Andy Burnham advocates for a new inquiry into child grooming to hold authorities accountable for past failures
Greater Manchester: Andy Burnham is pushing for a “limited” national inquiry into child grooming. He believes it’s crucial to hold authorities accountable for not addressing the issue sooner.
Burnham, a senior Labour figure, supports calls for a nationwide investigation into historical child sexual abuse. He thinks it’s time to take a closer look at what went wrong.
While the Prime Minister and other officials are open to discussions, they emphasize that their main focus is on actions stemming from a previous inquiry led by Professor Alexis Jay in 2022.
Recently, MPs turned down a Conservative proposal for a new inquiry during a Commons session. This proposal was part of a Government Bill aimed at enhancing child safety.
The Bill includes measures to protect homeschooled children. If the Tory vote had succeeded, it could have derailed the legislative agenda, but Labour’s majority made that unlikely.
Burnham expressed that while he sees the need for a new inquiry, he believes MPs were right to reject the Conservative push, which he viewed as opportunistic.
He mentioned on BBC Radio Manchester that he heard ministers discussing the need to engage with survivors. He’s all for a limited national inquiry that builds on previous reviews from places like Rotherham and Telford.
Burnham pointed out that the reviews he commissioned in Manchester, Oldham, and Rochdale were limited compared to what a national investigation could uncover.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister insists the Government’s priority is to take action for survivors, not to initiate another inquiry. Downing Street has dismissed claims that Sir Keir Starmer is changing his stance on the need for a national inquiry.
When asked if Burnham’s comments would alter the Prime Minister’s position, a No 10 spokesperson reiterated their focus on engaging with victims and taking immediate action.
Angela Rayner and other Labour frontbenchers didn’t participate in the Commons vote, and the PM’s spokesperson clarified that Starmer’s absence was due to prior commitments.
Safeguarding minister Jess Phillips has faced backlash online, particularly after Elon Musk made controversial comments about her. Despite the criticism, she’s committed to listening to a new victims panel regarding the inquiry.
The Conservatives have accused Labour of ignoring justice for grooming gang victims after their amendment was rejected. Musk also expressed disbelief at the situation.
On a related note, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced that the Government would start implementing mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse, with more details to come soon.
