PM ‘very concerned’ over delay to inquiry into child sexual abuse in Telford
It is “very concerning” that an inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Telford has taken so long to start, the Prime Minister has said.
Theresa May told MPs it was in the interests of victims and survivors that the inquiry was set up and running as soon as possible, adding: “That’s what people deserve.”
Her comments came as Conservative MP for Telford Lucy Allan voiced her worries about the delay at Prime Minister’s Questions.
She called on Mrs May to “join with me in urging the Telford authorities not to sweep this under the carpet, but to deliver on their promises and to start this inquiry now”.
Ms Allan (pictured) said: “Almost a year ago the authorities in Telford agreed to commission an inquiry into child sexual exploitation in our town. This came after a lengthy campaign by victims and their families seeking justice and answers.
“The promised inquiry has not happened, there is no chairperson, there is no start date, it hasn’t happened.
“Does she agree with me that the failure to hold the promised inquiry lets down victims, survivors and our community? And will she join with me in urging the Telford authorities not to sweep this under the carpet, but to deliver on their promises and to start this inquiry now?”
Mrs May replied: “Can I say to her that she’s raised a very important issue and these crimes were utterly appalling. That’s why we have given highest priority to tackling child sexual abuse and exploitation, and it is very concerning that, as she has said, this inquiry has taken so long to start, having been announced, as she said, in the spring of last year.
“It’s in the interests of victims and survivors that the inquiry is set up and running as soon as possible, that’s what people deserve, to be able to see that inquiry taking place, and I will ensure that a minister from the Home Office meets with her to discuss this further.”
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