Three women who were devastated by Oldham’s history of child sex abuse told the news that authorities ought to have consulted survivors before declining to launch a government-led investigation into the town’s grooming gangs.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was invited to meet and hear the experiences of Jane and Amelia, who over 15 years ago suffered abuse, and Sarah, whose son was exploited in the town when he was in foster care.
The request for an inquiry by Oldham Council was denied by ministers, who stated that the council should take the lead.
It will “always be guided” by survivors, according to a government spokesperson, and Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips will keep talking to victims.
