Scottish Labour Demands Clarity on Inquiry into Grooming Gangs

Scottish Labour is pressing the Scottish Government to clarify its position regarding a potential inquiry into grooming gangs in Scotland. The party intends to raise this issue during a parliamentary debate scheduled for Wednesday, where it will also advocate for independent oversight of the Police Scotland review concerning group-based sexual exploitation of children.

Labour’s justice spokeswoman, Pauline McNeill, emphasized the urgency of this matter, stating, “We urgently need clarity on this vitally important issue. Victims of child abuse must be at the very forefront of everything we do.” McNeill criticized Justice Secretary Angela Constance for allegedly misrepresenting the views of Professor Alexis Jay, who chaired the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse in England and Wales.

In September, during a debate in the Scottish Parliament, Constance claimed that Professor Jay “shares my view” regarding the lack of need for further inquiries, citing significant time and resources already devoted to existing reviews. However, minutes from an October meeting of the National Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Strategic Group, which includes Professor Jay, indicated otherwise. The minutes clarified that Jay’s comments were contextual to her previous work and not related to the current discussions in Scotland regarding the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill.

McNeill urged the Justice Secretary to explain her comments, asserting, “This issue is far too important to be muddied by misquotes and misinformation.” She reiterated the need for Constance to clarify whether the Scottish Government intends to conduct an inquiry into grooming gangs.

Scottish First Minister John Swinney indicated last week that the Government’s stance on the inquiry will be revealed before Christmas. He reported being briefed by police and an expert, acknowledging the growing calls for such an inquiry. Swinney stated that the Government is giving “every serious consideration to this important issue.”

In response to the ongoing discussions, a spokesperson for the Scottish Government reiterated that “the absolute priority is protecting children from harm and tackling sexual abuse and exploitation in all of its forms.” The spokesperson noted that the work of the expert National Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Strategic Group is focused on reviewing past inquiries and developing recommendations for national improvement. Police Scotland is also conducting reviews of recent investigations, ensuring that informed, evidence-based decisions are made regarding the necessity of further independent inquiries or reviews.