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Three women who were left devastated by historical child sexual exploitation in Oldham have told the BBC ministers should have spoken to survivors before deciding not to conduct a government-led inquiry into grooming gangs in the town. Jane and Amelia, who survived abuse more than 15 years ago, and Sarah, whose son was exploited in the town while he was in care, called on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to meet them and hear their stories.
Ministers rejected Oldham Council’s request to conduct an inquiry, saying the council should lead it. A government spokesperson said it would “always be guided” by survivors and that Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips would continue to engage with victims.
But they added “many victims have said they do not want to see another national inquiry – they want action now”. Jane and Amelia said they would like to see a full national inquiry, because they feel it is important to cover the experiences of survivors across the country.
Sarah, whose son was abused in his teens and died more than 10 years later, would have liked a government-led inquiry into abuse in Oldham, but would accept a local one if it is properly funded.
