Lucy, today, urged the Prime Minister, Theresa May, to ensure that no stone is left unturned in an independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation (CSE) in Telford.
According to official figures from 2016-2017, Telford and Wrekin has one of the highest rates of child sexual offences per 10,000 head of population in England – with an investigative report, from the Sunday Mirror newspaper, further indicating that as many as 1,000 children have been abused by sex gangs in the borough over a 40-year period.
Ms Allan, who has represented the area since 2015, has repeatedly called for a ‘Rotherham-style’ inquiry into the grooming and abuse of vulnerable young girls in Telford.
Responding to Lucy's question, the Prime Minister, Theresa May said:
“I think we have all been shocked by the horrific case that we have seen in Telford, of some of the most vulnerable in our country being preyed upon by ruthless criminals.
“Sadly, of course, this is not the first example we have seen taking place across our country.
“I want to congratulate Holly and Geraldine for the work they have done, and I am pleased that the authorities are now going to conduct an inquiry.
“It is important that it [the inquiry] begins its work in order to get to the truth, and does that as quickly as possible”
Speaking after PMQ’s today, Ms Allan said:
“I am pleased that the authorities in Telford have now agreed that an independent inquiry is the way forward.
“This inquiry will be a ‘Rotherham style’ independent inquiry. The council would commission an independent chair, who would conduct the inquiry entirely independent of the council. The Rotherham inquiry was wholly independent, its recommendations were accepted and respected and it is the model that would be followed in this case.
“Now the authorities accept that an independent inquiry is necessary, it is expected they will go down the tried and tested ‘Rotherham’ route.”
Notes for Editors
Full text of Ms Allan’s speech in Westminster Hall is available at: https://www.lucyallan.com/news/lucys-westminster-hall-speech-child-sexual-exploitation-cse
Ms Allan’s appearance on the Victoria Derbyshire show can be viewed at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p060zvrm
ENDS