Telford’s MP has today welcomed news that the Government is investing £2 million to establish a new national response unit to help vulnerable children including victims of child sexual exploitation (CSE), trafficking, and modern slavery.
The new response unit which will launch in 2019, will help local authorities to offer bespoke support and respond effectively to these safeguarding challenges to stop vulnerable young people from being exploited.
Following reports of CSE in Telford, Lucy Allan has been campaigning on CSE and help for victims of CSE for the past two years.
The MP has worked with MPs from all parties in Parliament to lobby Ministers at the Home Office about the effects of CSE and support for victims.
Lucy Allan said:
“I welcome this new initiative and I am pleased that the Government has listened and taken my concerns seriously.
“Local Authorities need support in tackling issues of vulnerability which often leads to young people being exploited by gangs.
“I have repeatedly raised this issue in Parliament for the past two years at debates, questions and meetings with Ministers to highlight the challenges that these young people are facing, including being taken advantage of by criminal gangs.
“This announcement is a step in the right direction however, I will continue to raise this issue in Parliament as it is important for the Government to recognise that CSE is still happening across the country and is a real challenge for some local authorities.”