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Files on historic child abuse 'can't be found'

A review into how the Home Office handled historic child sex abuse allegations at Westminster in the 1980s has reportedly been unable to uncover any of the crucial missing files that prompted the investigation.

The BBC reports that the so-called 'Dickens Dossier', handed to the Home Office by former Tory MP Geoffrey Dickens, has not been found.

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Children’s Society: Abuse probe must have more power

The independent inquiry into historic allegations of child sex abuse must be given more power, the Children's Society has said.

The Government’s announcement today that the inquiry’s work will continue while it takes steps to find a new chair is critical given the delays so far.

It is crucial that this inquiry is given the power it needs to investigate abuse, past and present. This is only possible if it has the authority to compel individuals and organisations to appear and give evidence.

Those who have been abused must be consulted throughout the process to make sure their needs and voices are at its heart. This should include a sensitive and appropriate approach involving children. Victims and survivors must have full confidence in the process and in the chair who leads the inquiry

– Matthew Reed, Chief Executive Children's Society.

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