Keir Starmer promises that the national inquiry into the rape gangs will investigate why “heinous crimes were disproportionately committed by Asian men”.
In a letter signed by the Prime Minister, Sir Keir thanked the panel for its support for the national inquiry.
He assured survivors that the inquiry will look “explicitly” at the ethnicity of the criminals.
Sir Keir also wrote that survivors “must be at the heart of this inquiry” and offered his “personal commitment” to make the inquiry successful.
The full letter read: “Dear All, I wanted to reach out directly to thank you for being part of the expert panel and supporting us to set up the national inquiry into grooming gangs.
“The heinous crimes committed against you – and many others – by violent and depraved gangs were truly appalling. We know that in some areas these crimes were disproportionately committed by Asian men, and I assure you that the inquiry will look explicitly at that.
“You were also let down catastrophically by the institutions that should have protected you, and they must be held accountable. We are determined that survivors must be at the heart of this inquiry, and do not underestimate the bravery you have shown by reliving these ordeals.
“I wanted to offer my personal commitment to you in getting the inquiry right. Thank you for your continued engagement and support in this vital work. Your views and lived experience are not only valued – they are absolutely central to shaping the direction, integrity, and impact of this inquiry.”
Keir Starmer promises that the national inquiry into the rape gangs will investigate why ‘heinous crimes were disproportionately committed by Asian men’
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DOWNING STREET
Recent turmoil has led to significant delays in the inquiry, which is expected to take months to restart.
Both candidates to head the inquiry, Jim Gamble, a former police officer and the lead candidate, and Annie Hudson, a former director of children’s services for Lambeth council, have pulled out after some survivors criticised their professional backgrounds.
Despite both candidates having had careers tackling child abuse, campaigners and survivors have argued that the police and social workers were responsible for letting down victims and believe someone with a legal background should lead the inquiry.
There are currently no candidates in the running, causing delays to the enquiry.
Grooming gang panellists have quit until Jess Phillips stands down from the inquiry
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PAFour panellists, Ellie-Ann Reynolds, Fiona Goddard, Elizabeth Harper, and a woman signed only as “Jessica”, quit in a letter that set conditions for their return.
Those include Jess Phillips standing down, the inquiry being “laser-focused” on grooming gangs, and its chair being a former or sitting judge.
They criticised Ms Phillips for labelling some of their claims about the scope of the inquiry being widened “untrue”, and said they had provided evidence to the contrary.
However, other victims have threatened to walk away from the advisory panel if Ms Phillips is ousted.
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