Shadow Safeguarding Minister Alicia Kearns has launched a blistering attack on the rejection of an Oldham grooming gang inquiry, warning that "rape camps" are hiding in plain sight across Britain.
Speaking to GB News, Kearns expressed shock at Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips' decision to refuse a Government-led investigation.
"People are shocked, they are outraged, and they're distressed," Kearns declared.
She highlighted that Oldham Council had admitted they cannot handle the investigation alone if they are to deliver justice for victims and survivors.
"These are rape camps that are hiding in plain sight across our country. And we have to do better by our children," Kearns said.
The Conservative MP has written to Phillips requesting her to reconsider the decision and launch a full national review on grooming.
Phillips maintained in her response that "it is for Oldham Council alone to decide to commission an inquiry into child sexual exploitation locally, rather than for the Government to intervene."
While acknowledging "the strength of feeling" for a further inquiry, the Safeguarding Minister insisted Oldham should take its own approach.
Kearns highlighted several Conservative achievements in tackling grooming gangs across Britain.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
"The Conservatives launched the first ever grooming task force in the UK," she said, noting that 550 people were arrested in the first year alone.
The initiative also led to 4,000 victims being saved, according to Kearns. She pointed to the creation of the Tackling Exploitation Group, which began recording ethnicity data of perpetrators for the first time.
The Conservatives also elevated child sexual exploitation to a strategic policing priority, putting it on par with terrorism.
"There is much more to be done, we need to keep a focus on this," Kearns stated, reaffirming that child abuse would remain her main focus as shadow minister.
A Home Office spokesman responded: "No child should ever suffer sexual abuse or exploitation. Everyone who is responsible for children's welfare must learn from past mistakes."
Oldham Council is currently working alongside survivors to ensure their voices remain central to any future investigations.
"Survivors sit at the heart of our work to end child sexual exploitation. Whatever happens in terms of future inquiries, we have promised them that their wishes will be paramount," a council spokesman said.
The council has voted to proceed with commissioning an independent inquiry following the Home Office's rejection of their request.
Find Out More...
Speaking to GB News, Kearns expressed shock at Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips' decision to refuse a Government-led investigation.
"People are shocked, they are outraged, and they're distressed," Kearns declared.
She highlighted that Oldham Council had admitted they cannot handle the investigation alone if they are to deliver justice for victims and survivors.
"These are rape camps that are hiding in plain sight across our country. And we have to do better by our children," Kearns said.
The Conservative MP has written to Phillips requesting her to reconsider the decision and launch a full national review on grooming.
Phillips maintained in her response that "it is for Oldham Council alone to decide to commission an inquiry into child sexual exploitation locally, rather than for the Government to intervene."
While acknowledging "the strength of feeling" for a further inquiry, the Safeguarding Minister insisted Oldham should take its own approach.
Kearns highlighted several Conservative achievements in tackling grooming gangs across Britain.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
- Braverman launches scathing attack on Phillips over Oldham grooming gang inquiry: 'An outrage'
- Elon Musk wades into explosive grooming gangs row after GB News exclusive
- Labour REJECTS Oldham's call for Government inquiry into grooming gangs scandal
"The Conservatives launched the first ever grooming task force in the UK," she said, noting that 550 people were arrested in the first year alone.
The initiative also led to 4,000 victims being saved, according to Kearns. She pointed to the creation of the Tackling Exploitation Group, which began recording ethnicity data of perpetrators for the first time.
The Conservatives also elevated child sexual exploitation to a strategic policing priority, putting it on par with terrorism.
"There is much more to be done, we need to keep a focus on this," Kearns stated, reaffirming that child abuse would remain her main focus as shadow minister.
A Home Office spokesman responded: "No child should ever suffer sexual abuse or exploitation. Everyone who is responsible for children's welfare must learn from past mistakes."
Oldham Council is currently working alongside survivors to ensure their voices remain central to any future investigations.
"Survivors sit at the heart of our work to end child sexual exploitation. Whatever happens in terms of future inquiries, we have promised them that their wishes will be paramount," a council spokesman said.
The council has voted to proceed with commissioning an independent inquiry following the Home Office's rejection of their request.
Find Out More...