Sir Gavin Williamson has called for a specialist unit to be set up within the National Crime Agency to tackle child sexual exploitation; as those involved in investigating high-profile cases continue to evade prosecution.
Sir Gavin has joined his Official Opposition colleagues in calling the Government to launch a National Inquiry into grooming gangs following systemic abuse in areas such as Telford, Oldham, and Rochdale.
The Home Secretary recently announced those who cover up or fail to report child sexual abuse “could face professional or criminal sanctions under a new offence to be introduced this year.” However, Sir Gavin has urged the Government to take immediate action with alarming examples of officials covering up sickening abuse.
Sir Gavin said: “The scale of abuse in towns and cities across the country is truly deplorable and I am determined to seek justice for victims of vile abuse who have been failed by those who should have been protecting them.
“It is truly alarming to see the scale of cover-ups by officials, police officers, and other people working in the public sector. It is cowardice on an industrial level and mechanisms must be put in place to prosecute those in influential positions who fail in their duty to protect vulnerable victims.
“In Parliament I called on the Home Secretary to commit setting up a specialist unit within the National Crime Agency. Sadly, the Home Secretary failed to commit to doing so and instead deflected responsibility thus further eroding the public’s confidence in the justice system.
“The time for action is now and I will continue to urge the Government to ensure victims receive the justice they deserve.”
