Esther McVey has joined an independent panel of experts looking into grooming gangs in the UK.
The Rape Gang Inquiry has been set up by Great Yarmouth MP Rupert Lowe in response to what he said are government “failings”. The inquiry will look at what happened, how it happened, and why it was allowed to happen.
Ms McVey said: “I commend Rupert Lowe for setting up this inquiry. As someone who started my life in care and given that many of the victims were also in that situation, I feel very strongly about how they were let down. They need someone to give them a voice and I will do everything I can to help.”
In January Government announced plans for a nationwide review of grooming gang evidence, along with five government-backed local inquiries. But this week it faced more accusations of “watering down” and “backtracking” on its proposals for inquiries after Home Office Minister Jess Philips told MPs the £5 million funding announced for the local inquiries will now be handed over to the areas to spend as they see fit.
Ms McVey said: “What Government is doing, is absolutely appalling. It lets the very councils that failed victims decide what to do (with the money).
“This is massive miscarriage of justice that needs addressing - not only do the perpetrators need to be brought to justice - but those in authority who turned a blind eye allowing it to continue need to held to account as well.”
In 2022 a seven-year inquiry into child sexual abuse was completed. Led by child protection expert Professor Alex Jay, The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse found institutional failings and tens of thousands of victims across England and Wales. It described child sexual abuse as an “epidemic” across the two nations.
