Despite ‘rocky start’ troubled abuse inquiry can get back on track, Tom Watson

The troubled inquiry into child abuse can get back on track, Labour Party deputy leader Tom Watson has insisted.

Mr Watson, who was one of the leading voices calling for the national probe to be set up, said the investigation had got off to a “rocky” start, but could recover.

Now on its fourth chairwoman, the investigation has often been mired in controversy, as the scope of its remit has been called into question.

“It’s definitely had a rocky genesis, this inquiry, and very unfortunate departures of the chairs,” Mr Watson said, as he insisted it could still deliver what was needed.

“After all, it is an enormous inquiry … because child abuse is an enormous problem in this country,” he told BBC Radio Four’s Today programme.

Mr Watson, who drew controversy by airing rape allegations about Tory former Cabinet minister Lord Brittan, which proved to be false, defended his record.

“I feel very confident that I have done my best in this. I’ve tried to represent the interests of survivors, to make sure that their voice is heard.

“I think it was the right thing to have a national inquiry. It was a cross-party call for that, there were MPs on all sides of the House.

“I’ve still got very great respect for Theresa May for having the courage to do that,” he said.

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