Labour has turned down Oldham Council’s plea for a government inquiry into past child abuse cases, sparking controversy and debate.
Oldham: So, Labour has said no to Oldham Council’s call for a government inquiry into historic child abuse. This all started when the council voted in July to ask the Home Office for a public inquiry. They wanted to give a voice to those affected by child sexual exploitation.
A review from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority back in 2019 found that the council had let vulnerable kids down, even though they tried to protect them. The review, requested by the former council leader, said there was no proof of a cover-up, but the Home Office has now confirmed that they won’t be launching a new investigation.
It seems the safeguarding minister, Jess Phillips, suggested that any inquiry should be handled locally. Oldham Council is still committed to making sure victims are heard, despite the lack of support from the government.
A spokesperson for the council emphasized that survivors are at the center of their efforts to combat child sexual exploitation. They promised that whatever happens, the victims’ wishes will be prioritized.
They acknowledged that serious mistakes were made in the past, where children were overlooked. By giving survivors a platform, they hope to prevent future failures.
However, the rejection of the public inquiry has led to backlash, especially from Tory leader Kemi Badenoch. She’s calling for a national inquiry into the UK’s “rape gangs scandal,” arguing that it’s high time for victims to get justice.
Even Elon Musk has jumped into the conversation, criticizing Labour leader Keir Starmer for not doing enough when he was in charge of prosecutions. He suggested that the reluctance to investigate might be to avoid pointing fingers at Starmer.
Labour and the Home Office have been asked for their take on the situation, but it’s clear this issue is far from over.
