Labor MPs are the first to cross ranks to publicly call for a national inquiry into gang grooming, calling on the Prime Minister to “use the full power of the state to deliver justice”.
Keir Starmer and other ministers have signaled they are open to future inquiries, but the government's priority is to review the recommendations of the 2022 report into child sexual abuse, led by Professor Alexis Jay. He said that it is important to act on the basis of the
Dan Carden, Liverpool Walton's agent, told the Liverpool Echo: We must listen to the voices of the people demanding justice.
“Those in positions of power may have covered up and refused to act to avoid confronting racial or cultural issues or because the victims were poor and working class. is shocking.
“We must question and challenge the orthodoxy of progressive and liberal multiculturalism that has caused the authorities to fail to act. We must lead multiracial societies into the future. We need a new doctrine.”
The Conservatives used their attempt to block the government's child welfare and schools bill on Wednesday to force a vote on their call for a new inquiry, but Mr Carden did not record a vote.
Carden said: “Keir Starmer also… [safeguarding minister] Jess Phillips has a strong track record in this area, but the government has not been able to gain an advantage.
“The government must send a clear message on whose side it stands and instruct the nation to fearlessly enforce the rule of law.” [or] We support justice and deliver justice.
“The Prime Minister must use the full power of the state to deliver justice. He must continue to pursue criminals unflinchingly, turning a blind eye, failing to take action or giving political cover to gangs. We must continue to hold those in positions of authority accountable.”
Professor Jay had previously said he would not support another inquiry and warned it would delay implementation of the recommendations.
Until Carden spoke, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham was the only prominent Labor figure to back calls for a “limited” national inquiry.
He told BBC Radio Manchester: “It is possible that there will be a need for a limited national inquiry, adding my voice to this and building on studies like the one I commissioned and the one I saw in Rotherham. I think so.'' We saw in the Telford case where you can bring out some of these national questions and compel people to give evidence and then they can answer and be held accountable. ”
On Monday, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the government would start implementing Professor Jay's call for compulsory reporting of child sexual abuse, with further details expected in the coming weeks.
