Grooming gang inquiry locations announced after Reform request for Calderdale to be considered
Bradford and Keighley, Oldham and London have been named as the first areas to be investigated by a national grooming gangs inquiry.
The Statutory Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs, chaired by Baroness Anne Longfield, will probe how gangs who sexually exploited children operated and how police, councils, health services, social care services and schools responded.
Further local areas will be announced later this year.
Soon after Reform took over the running of Calderdale Council in May, the party’s leader Daniel Sutherland wrote to Baroness Longfield asking for Calderdale to be included within the scope of the grooming gang inquiry.
He wrote: “In recent months, our residents have relayed to us their concerns that they feel not all issues have been sufficiently examined or understood, and we therefore believe this national inquiry needs to include Calderdale within its remit and progress its examination without further delay.”
Calderdale Labour welcomed Bradford and Keighley’s inclusion but said it backs West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin’s call for a West Yorkshire-wide focus to be part of the inquiry.
"Victims and survivors of child sexual exploitation have been failed for far too long, and it is essential that their voices are heard, the truth is established, and every agency involved is held fully accountable where mistakes have been made,” the party has posted.
"While the inquiry’s initial focus will be on Bradford and Keighley, there are victims and survivors in Calderdale who are also seeking answers, accountability and justice.
"Child sexual exploitation does not stop at local authority boundaries, and grooming gangs pay no regard to council borders.
"These crimes often span communities and districts, making it vital that lessons learned through the inquiry are shared and acted upon across the whole of West Yorkshire.
"Last year, Calderdale Council, under Labour leadership, passed a motion supporting the national inquiry and committing the council to work fully, openly and transparently with any investigation.
"That remains our position today and we must ensure that victims and survivors receive the answers they deserve.
"Our focus must remain firmly on securing justice for victims and survivors, strengthening safeguarding arrangements, and rebuilding public confidence that agencies will act decisively to keep children safe.”