Labour was yesterday accused of a ‘conspiracy of silence’ over grooming gangs after MPs for areas hit by the issue refused to say whether they back a national inquiry.
More than 20 MPs for constituencies in which child rape and sexual abuse has occurred were contacted by the Daily Mail.
But only three answered our question, sparking accusations of a ‘dereliction of duty’ by those who failed to reply.
Of those who responded, two – Luke Myer and Shaun Davies, the MPs for Middlesbrough South and Telford respectively – backed a national inquiry.
It brings the tally of Labour MPs who have broken ranks over the issue to five.
The MPs were asked if they supported a national inquiry after colleagues Sarah Champion, Rotherham’s MP, and Rochdale’s Paul Waugh became the first to U-turn on their initial opposition.
Other Labour figures, such as Liverpool Walton’s MP Dan Carden and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, have also backed a national probe.
Chi Onwurah, Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West’s MP, replied to our question with a statement she made last week suggesting a national inquiry was unnecessary.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced five reviews into badly hit towns but they were quickly branded ‘toothless’ because they will not have the power to summon witnesses
Tory justice spokesman Robert Jenrick said: ‘The decision by most of these Labour MPs to oppose a national inquiry is a dereliction of duty to their constituents
On Thursday, the Government launched small-scale local investigations into grooming gangs.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced five reviews into badly hit towns but they were quickly branded ‘toothless’ because they will not have the power to summon witnesses.
A vote on whether to have a national inquiry was held last week but it was an amendment attached to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, meaning Labour MPs likely didn’t vote in favour as it would have killed off the entire Bill.
Tory justice spokesman Robert Jenrick said: ‘The decision by most of these Labour MPs to oppose a national inquiry is a dereliction of duty to their constituents. Their conspiracy of silence will prevent justice and accountability for the thousands of victims subjected to monstrous abuse.’