Calls for an inquiry into Bradford child sexual exploitation scandal to be debated in Parliament
Video report by ITV's Harry Horton
A West Yorkshire MP is due to lead a debate in Parliament this evening (Tuesday 26 October) into calls for an inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Bradford.
The MP for Keighley and Ilkley, Robbie Moore, wants to see a Rotherham style investigation into the scale of the issue.
An independent review published in July detailed abuse suffered by five Bradford victims and found some children remain at risk.
Jane Booth, the Independent Chair of The Bradford Partnership, said a public inquiry is 'unlikely' to provide any new information.
Former Keighley MP Ann Cryer was vilified when she first raised the issue of sexual exploitation in 2003. But she worries a new inquiry could shift attention from helping victims now.
Bob Balfour, Survivors West Yorkshire said: "What we really need is a kind of restorative justice process for not just individuals but for institutions so that survivors who've experienced the police, social services, local authority, MPs. All the people they went to for help who for whatever reason were unable to help that maybe we need that kind of commission where you can have that kind of restorative process."
Authorities agree that more must be done to stop sexual exploitation in Bradford but there is still disagreement about whether looking back can help Bradford move forwards.
If you suspect a child is being abused, call Bradford Council's Contact Point on 01274 435600 in confidence and speak to a trained advisor or email childrens.enquiries@bradford.gov.uk
If you are worried about a child's immediate safety, contact the police by calling 999.
NAPAC (National Association for People Abused as Children) - 0808 801 0331 (10am to 9pm Monday to Thursday and 10am to 6pm on Fridays). Registered charity, based in the UK, providing support and information for people abused in childhood