Rotherham MP 'delighted' after confirmation of government-backed local reviews into grooming gangs
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper made the announcement in Parliament yesterday
Last updated 17th Jan 2025
The Home Secretary says grooming gang victims have the most chance of seeing change through a series of government-backed local inquiries.
Yvette Cooper's resisted calls for a national investigation following criticism, including from Elon Musk, when one into abuse in Oldham was rejected.
Police forces are also being encouraged to reopen unsolved cases, with survivors able to ask for a review.
Rotherham's Labour MP - Sarah Champion - has been telling us more about where yesterday's announcement in Parliament came from:
"I came up with a 5-point-plan for addressing child sexual exploitation and abuse.
"I think we need to have transparency around all forms of child abuse, but particularly around grooming gangs.
"We need to have accountability, and we need to have justice.
"I think if my plan is implemented in full, then these are the results we can expect."
Sarah also says she's been inspired by those who've suffered over the years:
"I have to say to the victims and survivors in Rotherham; talking to you is what started me on this journey to try and get you support, justice and accountability for those people who let you down.
"For the last 10 years in particular, I've been focused on child protection.
"I really hope that what the Home Secretary's announced is a big step forward on this issue.
"That's what the victims and survivors deserve, and I hope that's what gets delivered."