Welsh Senedd Unanimously Supports Consideration of Inquiry into Child Sexual Exploitation
Calls grow for an independent investigation into child exploitation following a motion in the Senedd, while an audit of police forces is requested beforehand.
The Welsh Senedd has unanimously supported calls for the Welsh government to consider launching an independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation by grooming gangs in Wales.
This development follows the introduction of a motion by Conservative Member of the Senedd (MS) Altaf Hussain, who highlighted the case of a young woman, pseudonymously known as Emily Vaughn, who has publicly shared her experiences of sexual exploitation as a child.
Mr. Hussain expressed his party's emotional response to Vaughn's story, stating the need for a comprehensive inquiry to address these critical issues in Wales.
The motion’s support was coupled with an amendment proposed by Plaid Cymru, which received backing from the Labour party.
This amendment called for an immediate audit of Welsh police forces to be conducted prior to any consideration of a full independent inquiry.
The audit aims to gather evidence on the current landscape of child sexual exploitation in Wales, which would inform the Welsh government’s subsequent decision.
Mr. Hussain emphasized the imperative for a Wales-wide inquiry, aiming to enhance safety for all families and children in the region.
He noted that grooming gangs encompass individuals from diverse backgrounds, underlining the necessity for a comprehensive approach to the issue.
Sioned Williams, a Plaid MS, stressed the importance of learning from past failings and attending to the voices of victims and survivors.
Williams noted that the issue should not be politicized, advocating for effective action and accountability in response to the suffering experienced by victims of sexual violence and abuse.
In response to the calls for an inquiry, Jane Hutt, the Welsh Labour government’s Social Justice Secretary, reiterated that the Labour party is actively implementing recommendations from a previous UK-wide inquiry into child exploitation led by Professor Alexis Jay.
Hutt disclosed that the Welsh government is developing a decade-long strategy aimed at preventing and addressing child sexual abuse, which will include input from victims and survivors.
Moreover, Hutt pointed to the UK government's efforts underway, such as commissioning Baroness Louise Casey to conduct an expedited audit of organized networks across England and Wales.
This highlights a commitment to addressing the scale and nature of these serious offenses.
The Conservative motion to advance an independent inquiry was ultimately defeated in the Senedd, receiving 13 votes in favor and 34 against.
Nevertheless, the amendment advocating for an initial police forces audit was adopted unanimously, marking a step toward addressing the serious concerns surrounding child sexual exploitation in Wales.
This development follows the introduction of a motion by Conservative Member of the Senedd (MS) Altaf Hussain, who highlighted the case of a young woman, pseudonymously known as Emily Vaughn, who has publicly shared her experiences of sexual exploitation as a child.
Mr. Hussain expressed his party's emotional response to Vaughn's story, stating the need for a comprehensive inquiry to address these critical issues in Wales.
The motion’s support was coupled with an amendment proposed by Plaid Cymru, which received backing from the Labour party.
This amendment called for an immediate audit of Welsh police forces to be conducted prior to any consideration of a full independent inquiry.
The audit aims to gather evidence on the current landscape of child sexual exploitation in Wales, which would inform the Welsh government’s subsequent decision.
Mr. Hussain emphasized the imperative for a Wales-wide inquiry, aiming to enhance safety for all families and children in the region.
He noted that grooming gangs encompass individuals from diverse backgrounds, underlining the necessity for a comprehensive approach to the issue.
Sioned Williams, a Plaid MS, stressed the importance of learning from past failings and attending to the voices of victims and survivors.
Williams noted that the issue should not be politicized, advocating for effective action and accountability in response to the suffering experienced by victims of sexual violence and abuse.
In response to the calls for an inquiry, Jane Hutt, the Welsh Labour government’s Social Justice Secretary, reiterated that the Labour party is actively implementing recommendations from a previous UK-wide inquiry into child exploitation led by Professor Alexis Jay.
Hutt disclosed that the Welsh government is developing a decade-long strategy aimed at preventing and addressing child sexual abuse, which will include input from victims and survivors.
Moreover, Hutt pointed to the UK government's efforts underway, such as commissioning Baroness Louise Casey to conduct an expedited audit of organized networks across England and Wales.
This highlights a commitment to addressing the scale and nature of these serious offenses.
The Conservative motion to advance an independent inquiry was ultimately defeated in the Senedd, receiving 13 votes in favor and 34 against.
Nevertheless, the amendment advocating for an initial police forces audit was adopted unanimously, marking a step toward addressing the serious concerns surrounding child sexual exploitation in Wales.
