The government have conceded its inquiry into grooming gangs could be delayed until next year after a series of high profile resignations from the liaison panel and two contenders for the position of chair withdrew.
Earlier this year the prime minister apparently u-turned on an inquiry into grooming gangs accepting the recommendations of Baroness Louise Casey.
But it has had an inauspicious start after protests at how the government had handled the process so far. Five members of the liaison panel have now resigned after suggestions the inquiry could be widened. Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips has come under fire with open letters written by the departing members critical of comments made over the scope of the inquiry; comments which Philips insists are false.
In a letter responding to the allegations, Philips said there was ‘misinformation’ around the inquiry. Claims the governments is set to dilute the focus of the inquiry were ‘untrue’ and defended the length of time it was taking to appoint a chair, saying it was not unusual for it to take time to appoint a chair and any delay was not evidence of a cover up.
Two prospective chairs have both rejected the opportunity to lead the inquiry; one had a background in social work and the other as a senior police officer – two professions facing questions about trust when it comes to the issue at hand.
The government is now seeking a new chair but acknowledges it could be next year before the inquiry formally begins its work.
Progress is being made on tackling grooming gangs and child exploitation said an interim progress report from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services. But significant challenges remains around consistency of definition, efforts to adopt a ‘robust’ national approach to grooming and child exploitation, and working more effectively with communities to identify and train partners to help them recognise and report vulnerable children who may be at risk of criminal or sexual exploitation. Operation Makesafe works with vape and fast-food vendors, hotel and door staff, taxi drivers and ticket inspectors to help identify and report grooming and exploitation.
‘Inspection of the effectiveness of police and law enforcement bodies’ response to group-based child sexual exploitation: A progress report’ makes six recommendations to speed up progress including
- Introduce clearer definitions for national recognition
- improving data collection and interrogation; and
- wider adoption of Operation Makesafe
