An MP has challenged the leader of Bradford Council to deliver on her claim there will be “no hiding place” for abusers by giving the go-ahead to a Rotherham style inquiry into historic child sexual exploitation across the district.
Shipley MP Philip Davies said Council Leader Susan Hinchcliffe has repeatedly tried to block such an inquiry but continues to claim she is tough on abusers.
Mr Davies said: “These are nothing more than hollow words. The actions of Councillor Hinchcliffe are in complete contradiction to her words. If she really wanted to crack down on the abhorrent behaviours, why is she so against a Rotherham style inquiry into Bradford Council. What is there to hide?
“The victims deserve justice and they deserve transparency. Cliches such as "lessons will be learnt" are not good enough. These people were failed by those who should have been protecting them and we all have a duty to ensure it never happens again.”
Coun Hinchcliffe made her comments earlier this week following a briefing from Bradford District Safeguarding Children Partnership which revealed there are 14 live investigations into historic sexual abuse underway in the district. In addition, 37 people are awaiting trial having been charged with historic abuse.
Last year an independent report gave an insight into child sexual exploitation in the Bradford district over a 17-year period between 2002 and 2019. It found that "children suffered abuse no child should have to experience" and problems were reported but "not heard or acted on". In the case of a 12-year-old girl, the report also said authorities tried to attribute some blame on her, claiming she was “putting herself at risk.”
Mr Davies said: “I have been clear in my support for a Rotherham style inquiry and will continue to support any action that ensures no child, young person or vulnerable adult is subject to these heinous crimes. I am absolutely disgusted that the Council would block any such thorough inquiry into previous cases of child sexual exploitation.”