Simon Danczuk to be called before Select Committee

Simon Danczuk MP

Rochdale MP, Simon Danczuk, is to be called before the Home Affairs Select Committee to give evidence on child sexual exploitation in Rochdale and he will be asked specifically about his recent book on Cyril Smith.

Commenting on being asked to give evidence before the Committee, Mr Danczuk said he welcomed the opportunity to explain why he’d written the book.

He added: “Rochdale, like many towns, has suffered from child abuse and I’ve seen the damage this does to people, and the wider community.

"Unlike many places, Rochdale has faced up to its past and I’m confident we’ve now turned a corner.

"I want Rochdale to be the safest place possible for children and I think we’re making progress in challenging the complacency of the past, raising awareness of the terrible damage done by abusers and improving our protective services.

“I did not come into politics to tackle child abuse, this has been thrust upon me by the harrowing cases that have come through my office over the last few years, but I’m determined to make our town stronger because of this. I want to empower victims, give them a voice and make sure we have a zero tolerance approach to abuse in Rochdale.”

Mr Danczuk is expected to give evidence in June.