English Defence League to march in Telford again over child sexual exploitation
Members of the English Defence League say they will return to Telford later this month.
They say they will march to call for more action to help the victims of child sex exploitation at a march and rally on May 12.
The far right organisation, which has targeted Telford several times, says it will march from Wellington railway station, but declined to release any more details, saying an update will be posted on May 8.
The announcement came as it emerged victims of child sexual exploitation will be able to speak with the national Jay Inquiry from this month.
The Telford Will Be Heard project will be coming to the town for the first time for a week starting May 21. A second week will be held from June 4.
It will be the first time the national inquiry comes to the town, and is the first step towards a full-scale independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation in the area.
See also:
Representatives of the Truth Project made several visits to Telford in April to meet key stakeholders. But this month will mark the first time they have spoken directly with victims.
May will also see more information released about Telford & Wrekin Council’s own inquiry. The council-commissioned probe was unanimously backed at a meeting of the council last month. The investigation is expected to cost at least £350,000.
Councillor Lee Carter is now the cabinet member with special responsibility for the inquiry, and an initial advisory group made up of two representatives from each political group will be set up to arrange the scope of the inquiry and recommend a chairman.
Telford’s MP Lucy Allan, has welcomed the steps being taken to launch the inquiry.
She said: “I hope that the council follows the Rotherham-style model and seeks to avoid unnecessary bureaucracy or delay. The Rotherham inquiry was quick and nimble, led by a single independent chair. The council needs to act now to appoint a chair, so the chair can begin this important work.
“Whether the focus is on the past or the present, this will be a matter for the independent chair, not the council. CSE is a live issue in our community today and it is affecting the lives of victims and their families.”
