Local MP Robbie Moore has called new government action to tackle grooming gangs a “significant step forward for victims of Child sexual exploitation across the Bradford District”.
Under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s new plans, a new taskforce made up of officers with "extensive experience" of grooming gangs will be established to provide "crucial support" to police forces across England, with the government introducing mandatory reporting for adults working with children.
Downing Street will also gather data on the ethnicity of suspects, arguing that better data on the make-up of grooming gangs, including the irethnicity, will be part of the support "to make sure suspects cannot hide behind cultural sensitivities to evade justice".
Data analysts will work alongside the taskforce using cutting edge data and intelligence to identify the types of criminals who carry out these offences, helping police forces across the country catch offenders who might otherwise be missed. This will also include police recorded ethnicity data to make sure suspects cannot evade justice because of cultural sensitivities.
The policy of collecting data on ethnicity follows multiple calls from Keighley and Ilkley’s MP for the government to back the move, with Mr Moore adding that “political correctness has got in the way for far too long”.
Robbie Moore MP said:
“For far too long, political correctness has stood in the way of tackling the scourge of evil grooming gangs in the Bradford District.
“After relentless lobbying for tougher and bolder action on grooming gangs in our area, both with our former Home secretary Priti Patel and our current Home Secretary Suella Braverman, it is encouraging to see the government listening to our concerns in Keighley and Ilkley.
Today’s bold action by the government, which will collect the data around the ethnicity and make-up of gang members is a significant step forward and will go a long way in tackling these vile child predators once and for all.
I am also pleased the Prime Minister is announcing much tougher sentencing provisions for gang members and a new task force of specialist officers will be set up to specifically tackle child abuse.”
Home Secretary Suella Braverman said:
“Child sexual abuse is one of the most horrific crimes facing our society, it devastates victims, families and whole communities.
“The protection of children is a collective effort. Every adult must be supported to call out child sexual abuse without fear.
“And the despicable abusers must be brought to justice. They should not be able to hide. And they must face the full force of the law for their crimes.
“That’s why I’m introducing a mandatory reporting duty and launching a call for evidence. We must address the failures identified by the Inquiry and take on board the views of the thousands of victims and survivors who contributed to its findings.
“I would encourage everyone to engage with the process once it starts – it is important to have a national conversation about this to shine a light on this terrible – but too often hidden – crime.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:
“The safety of women and girls is paramount. For too long, political correctness has stopped us from weeding out vile criminals who prey on children and young women. We will stop at nothing to stamp out these dangerous gangs.”
