Telford child sex abuse: Inquiry ‘a step in the right direction’ – MP

Lucy Allan said the arrival of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse would be a positive move.

But she said it would not replace a full local inquiry that she has been demanding.

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, known as IICSA is being led by Professor Alexis Jay and is investigating the extent to which institutions in England and Wales failed to protect children from sexual abuse.

Victims and survivors in Telford will be able to talk about their experiences as part of the inquiry’s Truth Project.

Ms Allan, MP for Telford, said: “The Truth Project is an opportunity for victims to tell their story in confidence, if they would like to do so.

“This is an important part of the healing process and I hope victims will come forward to participate.”

However the MP said nothing has changed her opinion that Telford & Wrekin Council should instigate its own inquiry.

She said: “The visit of the Truth Project is not a substitute for an inquiry.

“An inquiry will determine whether there were failings by the authorities and will provide answers so we can as a community move forward.”

Merit

Telford & Wrekin Council said any inquiry into allegations of widespread sexual abuse in the borough should be commissioned by the Government. It said it recognises the merit of an inquiry but that any council-led probe would only have a limited remit and would be open to accusations of a vested interest.

The council has welcomed the intervention by Professor Jay, but Ms Allan said: “The council agrees an inquiry is necessary, and it will be aware that the Truth Project is not an inquiry.

“The council has seen the advice from the Local Government Minister, and it is up to it to commission an independent inquiry in Telford.”

Wrekin MP Mark Pritchard said: “I welcome the national CSE inquiry coming to Telford. This will allow victims an opportunity to be heard in an environment where they feel safe and supported.”

Councillor Shaun Davies, leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, said he was “very grateful” that IICSA had stepped in.

He said: “It is vital that victims and survivors of child sexual exploitation here share their experiences with the inquiry and make recommendations for change.

“Victims and their families have rightly been asking for such an opportunity and the Truth Project, which is part of this expert and independent inquiry, is ideally placed to ensure this happens.

“This is another very important step forward in ensuring that we have as true a picture as possible of what happened in Telford to make any further recommendations of changes to the work of partners in Telford continue to do to tackle and prevent this vile crime. We have consistently said that a council-commissioned inquiry would not be the most effective way to do this and an independent expert inquiry is best placed to do this.”

Professor Jay, chairwoman of the inquiry, said: “Child sexual abuse can take many different forms and we want to hear from as many victims and survivors as possible. We can offer support before, during and after your confidential Truth Project session and you can also make recommendations for change that will feed into the inquiry’s recommendations.”

Those who participate in the Truth Project can give as much or as little detail about their experiences as they want and they are also able to make recommendations for change.

Telford & Wrekin Council said it has sent the inquiry, which covers England and Wales, further information and reports and the inquiry is now considering them.

Unique authority to look at range of issues

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse was set up because of serious concerns that some organisations had failed and were continuing to fail to protect children from sexual abuse.

IICSA has a wide remit, but as a statutory inquiry it has unique authority to address issues that have persisted despite previous inquiries and attempts at reform.

The inquiry offers an unprecedented opportunity to examine the extent to which institutions and organisations in England and Wales have taken seriously their responsibility to protect children.

It was set up in 2015 and includes the Truth Project, which is to visit Telford. It is seen as an important part of the inquiry and is for victims and survivors of child sexual abuse to share their experiences in a confidential setting.

The inquiry has been given the power to investigate a wide range of institutions including local authorities, the police, the Crown Prosecution Service and the BBC. It will also look at issues affecting the armed forces, in schools, hospitals, children’s homes, churches, mosques and other religious organisations as well as charities and voluntary organisations.

It will also examine allegations of child sexual abuse involving well known people, including people in the media, politics, and other aspects of public life.

Professor Jay said: “We cannot begin to understand the patterns of institutional failures without hearing from those who suffered as a consequence. We are working with victims and survivors who want to assist the inquiry in its work by sharing their experience of sexual abuse.”