Child Sexual Exploitation

I share the horror felt by everyone on the systematic sexual abuse and exploitation of mostly white, working-class girls which came to light in 2010. 

Many inquiries, investigations and reports have taken place in the 14 years since, and it is clear that our institutions failed to act, in some part because of in-built class prejudice towards the survivors and in some cases because of the religious background or ethnicity of the perpetrators.

Professor Jay’s report was released in 2022 and she made 20 recommendations, none of which were taken up by the then Conservative Government, despite promises by the then Home Secretary to do so.

It is time for action and to stop kicking this important issue down the road. This government will take meaningful action that will make a difference as opposed to more talking and delay without solving any of the issues.

This Labour Government has committed to implementing the recommendations by Professor Jay. We will make it mandatory to report abuse and we will include measures in the Crime and Policing Bill to make it an offence with both criminal and professional sanctions to fail to report abuse or to cover up child sexual abuse.

We will also make grooming an aggravated factor in child sexual offences, as well as introducing a victims and survivors panel to oversee the reforms that are needed.

Those trying to use survivors as political chess pieces, whether that is politicians or billionaires should reflect on their abhorrent behaviour. Child sexual exploitation in all forms is too serious of an issue for political gameplaying.