A cross-party group of 99 MPs from six political parties have written to Sir Keir Starmer warning the Prime Minister that confidence in the national grooming gangs inquiry risks being undermined unless victims and survivors are given a central role.
The letter, organised by Keighley and Ilkley MP Robbie Moore and signed by MPs from the Conservatives, Labour, Reform UK, the Liberal Democrats, the TUV, the Alliance Party and two Independent MPs, calls for a “survivor-led” approach to the inquiry’s design and delivery.
In the letter, MPs urge the government to ensure the inquiry has a trusted mechanism for survivors to speak about their abuse and that there is formal survivor representation.
“For decades, survivors have spoken out about what happened to them. Many were ignored, disbelieved, or failed by all levels of the British state. They are now speaking again with the hope that people will finally listen to their calls. We need to make sure they are heard,” the letter states.
“[Survivors] bring a wealth of knowledge that will be vital to the inquiry. They must have formal, meaningful roles in shaping the inquiry's work and must not simply be consulted after decisions have been made.”
Signatories of the letter include Conservative Party Leader Kemi Badenoch, Reform Leader Nigel Farage, Liberal Democrats Home Affairs Committee Member Paul Kohler, Labour MPs Paula Barker and Chris Murray and independent MPs Rupert Lowe and Rosie Duffield.
Speaking about the letter Robbie Moore MP said:
“It’s a basic principle that every MP should agree on that there is no justice without survivors. If the Prime Minister wants this inquiry to succeed, then he needs to show victims and survivors in places like Keighley that it is being done with them, not to them.
For decades, Survivors have been ignored by all levels of the British state and this cannot be allowed to happen again. We now await a formal response from the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary and I urge them to adopt these proposals in full.”
Audition for IMTS Spring musical, The Great British Bake Off
Comedy, music & drama this July at Ilkley Playhouse
Flotilla Ilkley Summer 7s returns for a day of top class rugby
Moorfield school invites all to Turner Prize inspired Art Exhibition
Silsden gardeners get ready for Open Gardens Weekend
Solstice runners raise £25,000 for Sue Ryder
Community goes quackers for Burley-in-Wharfedale Duck Race
Amber heat warning issued for West Yorkshire
Ilkley town centre offices could be converted into accommodation
Bin crews to start earlier this week due to the heat
Local food and drink delights at Ilkley Cycle Races
Extra funding expected to deal with potholes
Ilkley Pride celebrates 5 years of inclusion, creativity, and community spirit
Still time to sign up for Solstice Saunter on Sunday
Ilkley gym member crowned British National Powerlifting Champion
Leeds Bradford Airport to launch weekly flights to Santorini
Addingham Gala Festival set to be 'Out of this World'
Review: The 4th Waterman Piano Recital
Ilkley Firefighters unite with Mountain Rescue for Wharfedale Three Peaks
Fusion Chocolate in Ilkley celebrates another award win
