Child sex abuse inquiry to focus on churches and politicians
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Version 0 of 8. The independent inquiry into child sex abuse in the UK is to focus on the Anglican and Catholic church, local councils, schools and youth offender institutes and prominent figures in Westminster politics. Outlining a dozen lines of inquiry which will each hold public hearings with victims, witnesses and experts, chair Justice Lowell Goddard said churches and councils in Lambeth, Nottinghamshire and Rochdale would be among the first areas investigated. The investigation was set up last year following claims of a high-level cover-up of abuse and has been beset by delays following the resignations of two previous chairwomen. It will be Britain’s largest-ever public inquiry and is expected to take up to five years and cost tens of millions of pounds. Goddard said high-profile allegations against “current and former MPs” as well as “members of the intelligence and security agencies” would be included in the inquiry, adding that “allegations of a cover-up” in Westminster would be investigated. She said: “The investigation will focus on high-profile allegations of child sexual abuse involving current or former members of parliament, senior civil servants, government advisers and members of intelligence and security agencies. “It will consider allegations of cover-up and conspiracy and review the adequacy of law enforcement responses to these allegations.” The investigation will also focus on child sexual abuse in the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches following a series of scandals involving senior clergymen, she said, adding that regional centres for victims to come forward would be set up next year. More details soon... |