Simon Danczuk at launch of independent inquiry into child sexual abuse

Simon Danczuk MP

Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk was at the launch of the Government’s independent inquiry into child sexual abuse today (Thursday 9 July) and welcomed the news that the inquiry would name suspected perpetrators of child abuse.

Mr Danczuk said: “The revelations over the last few years about the extent of child sexual abuse in this country have shocked the nation and it is absolutely right that we have a proper Inquiry that looks at all the evidence and listens to the survivors.

"It has taken far too long to get to this point, but I am glad we are finally here and that years of hard campaigning by survivors, charities and politicians have been effective securing this iInquiry.

"I was impressed by what Justice Goddard said today and am pleased that the inquiry will use the full powers available and will name the suspected perpetrators. It is essential that we get to the full truth about this horrific crime and who was involved in it.

"The campaign has taken its toll on me and I am stepping back for health reasons, but I am extremely proud of what we have achieved and I hope that the inquiry will make good progress.

"I would encourage anyone who has any information about child sexual abuse to give evidence to the inquiry.”

Justice Lowell Goddard, the New Zealand judge who will head the inquiry, said: "This inquiry provides a unique opportunity to expose past failures of institutions to protect children, to confront those responsible, to uncover systemic failures, to provide support to victims and survivors, in sharing their experiences, and to make recommendations that will help prevent the sexual abuse and exploitation of children in the future."