Scottish Government 'remains open' to national grooming gang inquiry

The Scottish Government remains open to a national grooming gang inquiry, John Swinney has said.

The First Minister did not rule out the possibility of launching a full-scale investigation in the future, but he told MSPs he is currently “satisfied” that police and the judicial system will address the issue.

“The Government has remained open to the question of an inquiry, but there is a series of steps being taken to explore these issues at the present moment,” Swinney said.

“What I am satisfied about is that police will address these issues and that our judicial system will address them too, and we will reflect on any further scrutiny needed in light of those investigations.”

Taylor said it is ‘clear’ such abuse is still happening in Scotland.

Politics

Swinney urged by grooming gangs victim to launch national inquiry

Taylor has written to the Scottish First Minister about abuse she says she was subjected to while aged 13 and in care.

Swinney was challenged by the Scottish Conservative leader to “do the right thing” and agree to establish a national inquiry at First Minister’s Questions on Thursday.

Speaking on behalf of alleged victims of grooming gangs, Russell Findlay said an inquiry is the “only way to uncover the scale of abuse, establish why it went unchecked, and ensure it can’t continue”.

It comes after a victim of alleged grooming gangs in Glasgow came forward on Wednesday night.

In a letter to the First Minister, Taylor, which is not her real name, said she was 13 and in care when she was targeted by a “Pakistani grooming gang” operating from flats in Govanhill and Rutherglen.

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The woman, who is now in her 20s, said she and her friends were sexually abused and exploited by at least ten men, who had plied the children with alcohol and drugs.

She said it is “clear” such abuse is still ongoing, and she called for the Government to launch a national inquiry.

The First Minister expressed his “admiration” for Taylor’s courage to speak out on what he called an “important and very difficult subject”.

“I’m deeply saddened to hear of any cases of sexual abuse,” Swinney told MSPs.

He insisted that the Scottish Government is already taking action through the National Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Strategic Group, which brings together key services and expert stakeholders, including Police Scotland, to tackle this type of abuse.

He said that group is looking at previous inquiries alongside of evidence and practices to establish what further actions and recommendations are required.

The First Minister added: “Police Scotland are actively reviewing active and historic child abuse investigations to determine what issues need to be addressed in any potential inquiry.”