Statement

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse

  • My constituents are clear that they want to see a rigorous judicial style approach adopted by the Inquiry.

  • Chuka Umunna MP

The Home Affairs Select Committee report on the work of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, exposes the unresolved conflict at the heart of the inquiry – between whether the inquiry adopts an inspectorate style approach, looking at child protection policies and compliance, or a judicial style approach focused on uncompromising forensic and legal investigations of state institutions.

My constituents, who are members of the largest child abuse survivors group, are clear that they want to see a rigorous judicial style approach adopted by the Inquiry which is why it needs to be headed by a senior judge with the skills and experience relevant to that type of work.

Of course it is important the inquiry is independent but that does not absolve it of being subject to proper accountability, scrutiny and transparency, particularly when it is the lack of such scrutiny and accountability, leading to horrific abuse, that the inquiry is itself investigating.  My constituents, who are survivors, believe it is currently operating like a law unto itself which cannot be right, particularly given the very serious allegations that have arisen around the inquiry of sexual assault and bullying.