A Lottery for Justice?
The government has allocated £5 million to fund inquiries in just five towns, starting with Oldham. However, with approximately 50 towns reported to have suffered from grooming gang activity, survivors are rightfully questioning why they must essentially “compete” for recognition and justice. Survivors and campaigners alike have labeled this decision a disgrace and akin to a cruel lottery.
“This feels like a slap in the face. It’s as though we’re being forced to hope our town is chosen while many others are ignored.”
Survivor Advocacy for a National Inquiry
Prominent survivor Emily Vaughn, who endured unspeakable abuse, has been a vocal advocate for a national inquiry. Her tragic story highlights how systemic failures allowed her and countless others to be abused for decades without intervention.
Similarly, survivors from Rotherham, a town where approximately 1,400 children were exploited between 1997 and 2014, are outraged that their town hasn’t received the same scrutiny or justice as others.
Critics Call for Accountability
The opposition Conservative Party has criticized the government’s decision, emphasizing that local inquiries lack the power to summon witnesses, something a national inquiry could address. Furthermore, Elon Musk’s recent comments on social media have reignited public discourse, urging the government to act decisively.
The reality is clear: a patchwork of local inquiries cannot adequately address the widespread and systemic failures that have plagued so many communities. Justice for survivors should not depend on the luck of being in one of the selected towns.
The Case for a National Inquiry
- Provide accountability for all failures, nationwide.
- Uncover systemic issues that local inquiries might miss.
- Ensure all survivors have a voice and access to justice.
As a concerned citizen, I urge the government to do the right thing. Survivors deserve answers, justice, and the assurance that these horrors will never happen again. Anything less is unacceptable.
