I, pledged to end child abuse in the UK at an event supported by over 100 cross-party MPs, Peers, victims and survivors, which took place on the 4th February, organised by Sarah Champion MP.

Attendees heard from panellists from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), as well as victims, survivors and whistleblowers:

• John O’Brien CBE, Secretary to IICSA
• David Greenwood, Child Abuse Solicitor and Head of Child Abuse Compensation Department at Switalskis
• Chris Tuck, Member of Victims and Survivors Consultative Panel to IICSA
• Jayne Senior MBE, Rotherham whistle-blower
• The Baroness Newlove, Victims Commissioner for England and Wales

They called on the Government to urgently implement all the recommendations outlined in the IICSA report and its connected ‘grooming gangs’ report. Panellists and attendees demanded ring-fenced funding for each recommendation, with victims and survivors at the heart of delivery.

Commenting, Alexis Jay CBE said, “We know of the appalling and lifelong effects that child sexual abuse can have on people.  During IICSA, we set out what should be done to make sure children are better protected and now look forward to hearing the detail of the Government’s timescale for delivering these recommendations, along with the necessary resourcing.”

Commenting, Sarah Champion MP, said, “I am delighted to see nearly 100 cross-party Parliamentarians pledging to end child abuse in the UK. Parliament has always been at its best when it works cross-party to tackle the big issues of national importance. That’s what this event is all about. Nothing is more important than protecting children.”

Following the event, I signed a cross-party letter to the Prime Minister, calling for the endemic child abuse in the UK to be treated as a national priority, with urgent and fully resourced action.