12th January 2025
Member of Parliament for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, Luke Myer MP, has today backed calls for a new inquiry into grooming gangs.
Luke Myer MP has been vocal on the issue of faith-based abuse since his election, speaking out on the Church of England abuse scandal and standing with victims of abuse. As a former teacher and Cabinet Member for Children in local government, he believes that the safeguarding of children and young people is an issue of fundamental importance.
Luke said:
“Child abuse is one of the most horrific evils imaginable. I remain firm in my belief that the victims of abuse must see justice. I am pressing Government to implement the full recommendations of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, and to take a range of other actions to address abuse and violence against women and girls. I am also backing Sarah Champion MP’s calls for a new inquiry into grooming gangs, and I hope the Government listens to this.”
He also condemned attempts in Parliament by the Conservative and Reform parties to use the issue of grooming gang abuse as an excuse to block the Children’s Wellbeing & Schools Bill, an important piece of child protection legislation.
“These ‘wrecking amendments’ would have killed Labour’s Children’s Wellbeing Bill and all its provisions on child protection and safeguarding. It was a disgraceful political stunt, designed to use the victims’ suffering to get a cheap headline. The reality is, the Conservatives failed to deliver justice for the victims when they were in office, and now they are attempting to distract and disrupt the important actions we are taking. We won’t let them – this Labour Government is going to get on with the job of supporting the victims, improving children’s safety and rebuilding the education system for families everywhere.”
He urged local politicians to put the politics aside and work cross-party to support the victims and survivors.
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