Prime Minister Keir Starmer has faced a heated line of questioning today over Labour’s handling of the grooming gangs scandal.
It comes as four survivors have resigned from the Home Office’s Survivor Liaison Panel in protest over how the inquiry was being handled earlier this week.
Sir Keir assured MPs that the inquiry will “never be watered down” as he addressed the criticism
The Prime Minister said: “The grooming scandal was one of the worst of out time.
“Women and girls were abused and exploited by predatory gangs of men. And survivors have been ignored for many years, including by the state that, of course, is supposed to protect them.
“My vow to Fiona and them is that this national inquiry will change that. I do acknowledge that in recent days, some members, including Fiona, have decided to step away from the panel
“Should they wish to return, the door will always be open but even if they do not we owe it to them and to the country to answer the concerns that they have raised.
“The inquiry is not and will never be watered down. Its scope will not change. It will examine the ethnicity and religion of the offenders, and we will find the right person to chair the inquiry.
“I can tell the House today that Dame Louise Casey will now support the work of the inquiry, and it will get to the truth. Injustice will have no place to hide.”
More to follow…
