Monmouth's Labour MP has hit out at “misleading” claims

Monmouth's Labour MP has hit out at “misleading” claims over a vote in the House of Commons on a national inquiry into so called “grooming gangs”. 

MPs last night rejected a call from the Conservatives to hold a national inquiry into “historical child sexual exploitation, focused on grooming gangs”. 

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch had attempted to amend the Labour government’s draft child protection legislation but had that been succesful it would have prevented the legislation from making progress. 

Labour MP for Monmouth Catherine Fookes said the vote had been a “political stunt” and highlighted the legislation, which applies to England only, includes “vital measures” to protect children. 

Ms Fookes said: “The amendment was a political stunt by the Conservative Party. It was trickery on the British public who are rightly concerned about this issue. The amendment would not have created an inquiry into child sexual exploitation. Instead, it would have killed a bill designed to help children and families. 

“They wanted to force Labour MPs, including myself, into a vote against their amendment so they could publicise it across media without any context. It’s unauthentic, dishonest and deeply disappointing. Child abuse and the existence of grooming gangs is horrific and should never be used as a political football.” 

Following the vote Conservative councillor for Usk, Tony Kear, shared a photograph of Ms Fookes on social media with the caption “Do you think there should be an inquiry into grooming gangs? Catherine Fookes doesn’t”. 

Cllr Kear wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: “I’m saddened & disappointed but not surprised that our MP Catherine Fookes failed to vote for an inquiry into grooming / rape gangs. I have been shocked at the historic failures, alleged coverups & judges’ summing ups. Victims deserve justice and accountability. Unforgivable.” 

Cllr Richard John, the Conservative leader on Monmouthshire council, also wrote on X: “Not a single Welsh MP voted for an inquiry. Obviously MPs are whipped to vote but there are times when the public expect MPs to back residents over their party whip to support pensioners, farmers or WASPI women but most importantly, vulnerable children.” 

He had shared a tweet from a GB News presenter that wrongly described the Conservative amendment as a “bill to have a national inquiry into grooming gangs”. 

The issue around gangs targetting young girls, often from vulnerable backgrounds, has become a political storm after X boss Elon Musk used the platform to launch attacks at Prime Minister Keir Starmer and safeguarding minister Jess Phillips. 

Ms Fookes said she wanted to address “misleading claims about the vote on the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill and the amendment proposed by the Conservatives.” 

The bill will require English councils to keep a register of home schooled children and also includes measures to limit the cost of school uniforms and introduce free breakfast clubs. 

Ms Fookes also highlighted the government has accepted it should take action on the 20 recommendations of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, which reported in 2022, with the home secretary having already outlined the first steps it will take. 

That inquiry also included a specific module into child sexual exploitation by organised networks. Ms Fookes said: “That report concluded that police forces and local councils were still failing to tackle this serious crime and set out further recommendations for change, yet far too little progress has been made. 

“The Conservatives had two years to action these recommendations”. 

No Labour MPs voted for Tory motion, which was only supported by the Conservatives, Reform, some Northern Ireland MPs and an independent. 

The motion was rejected by 364 votes to 111, a majority of 253.