Home Office Minister Jess Phillips has apologised to MPs for a delay to the publication of a report on grooming gangs.
Phillips told MPs she was sorry for the “month’s wait” but added “I’ve waited 14 years”, a reference to the length of time the Conservatives were in government.
The minister said Baroness Casey had requested a “short extension” to her work and that it was expected “very shortly”.
In April, Phillips told the House of Commons she expected there would be further inquires beyond the initial five announced.
Phillips said if Baroness Casey identified problems with particular local authorities, “I will pursue them”.
MPs have received an apology from Home Office Minister Jess Phillips for the postponement of the release of a report on gang grooming.
The government requested in January that Baroness Louise Casey conduct a “rapid” three-month audit to examine the evidence and data regarding the scope and character of group-based child sexual abuse.
Baroness Casey’s review and a framework for local grooming gang inquiries were supposed to be published in May, according to Conservative frontbencher Katie Lam, who made the request for an updated timeline during her Monday speech in the House of Commons.
In addition to apologizing for the “month’s wait,” Phillips told MPs, “I’ve waited 14 years,” alluding to the duration of the Conservatives’ rule.
It is anticipated “very shortly” after Baroness Casey asked for a “short extension” to her work, according to the minister.
“The government will respond to the report and lay out its plans with all the evidence in hand,” she continued.
The government denied calls for a national investigation into grooming gangs at the beginning of the year, claiming that a seven-year investigation headed by Professor Alexis Jay had already looked into the issue.
The “rapid audit” headed by Baroness Casey will instead look at the “data and evidence to draw a comprehensive picture of the nature, scale and profile of group-based child sexual abuse offending,” according to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.
Additionally, she announced a £5 million initial fund for “victim-centered locally-led inquiries” that will take place in Oldham and four other, as yet unnamed, areas.
Phillips stated in an April statement to the House of Commons that she anticipated more inquiries than the five that were initially announced.
She assured MPs that after Baroness Casey’s audit was released, she would give them more information regarding the local investigations.
The Conservatives have persisted in demanding a national investigation with the authority to force witnesses, claiming that certain localities would be reluctant to conduct their own examinations.
“I will pursue them” if Baroness Casey pointed out issues with specific local authorities, Phillips declared.
