Telford’s MP, Lucy Allan re-iterated her call for an independent review to examine Child Sexual Exploitation in Telford and Wrekin in a Westminster Hall debate held yesterday.
During yesterday’s debate Lucy set out how she wants to break the silence that surrounds this issues and give victims the chance to be heard. It is important that we can all better understand the causes, what went wrong, what could have been to be prevent and to ensure that lessons are learnt.
Prior to yesterday’s debate the Home Secretary, Amber Rudd, wrote to Lucy setting out her concerns regarding the issues raised by Lucy and stating that she has asked Home Office officials to meet with Telford and Wrekin Council and West Mercia PCC staff.
Lucy has made the call for an independent review after House of Commons statistics showed Child Sex Offences to still be an ongoing issue locally with be the highest rate in the country of 18.4 cases per 10,000 head of population. This is greater than in the higher profile places such as Rotherham, (16.7) Rochdale (16.7) and Middlesborough (15.9) and compares to a national average of 7.9 cases per 10,000 head of population.
Speaking after the debate, Lucy Allan MP said: “I’m pleased I was able to bring this important issue forward to a debate. An independent review is the only way we can begin to move forward; the Jay Review whilst a step in the right direction nationally, will not give us the answers and closure we need locally.
“Victims have been let down in the past and it is important that their voices were able to be heard today. I was particularly pleased that one such victim was able to come to Parliament and watch the debate.
“I am pleased that Home Secretary is examining this issue and I look forward to seeing the outcome of Home Office officials meetings with Council and PCC staff.