A recent victim testimony has revealed alarming failings during the Greater Manchester Grooming Gangs Inquiry, highlighting how victims faced ridicule and neglect from law enforcement. Kelly Lees, who spoke to GB News, recounted her experiences of abuse, stating, "I was laughed at by certain police officers when I reported abuse." This shocking admission stems from years of suffering abuse under care orders, where authorities were supposed to protect her.
Lees criticized the police response, emphasizing the dehumanizing treatment victims faced, explaining, "We were problems in their eyes and we were criminalized. Abuse is a crime. We are human beings and if we have to abide by the law, so do they." Her statement underlines the need for accountability within policing, especially when handling vulnerable populations.
The inquiry has drawn additional scrutiny following comments from Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips, who faced backlash after rejecting calls for a centralized Home Office-led public inquiry. Instead, she suggested Oldham commission its own local inquiry, which critics argue is insufficient for addressing the depth of the scandal. "I'm absolutely furious," Lees stated, reflecting the sentiments of many who feel the move aims to obscure the truth. "They are scared of the truth coming out when everyone is entitled to know the truth."
This sentiment resonates with former Prime Minister Liz Truss, who labeled Phillips's position as "a perversion of the English language," indicating broader doubts about the government’s commitment to accountability. Health Secretary Wes Streeting, meanwhile, hinted at potential support for inquiry actions but reiterated the preference for local-led investigations.
Former Greater Manchester Police detective Maggie Oliver also voiced her dissatisfaction with previous inquiries, demanding not just investigations but also "criminal accountability" for officials who overlooked signs of exploitation. "Those with vested interests who pop up when this hits the headlines then fade away again when it all dies down will not bring change," she said, indicating systemic issues run deep.
Oliver's perspective highlights the necessity for lasting reforms, as calls for action persist. Public sentiment is reflective of widespread frustration with the inquiry's current structure, and Oliver argued both major political parties share culpability for the failures surrounding these exploitative networks.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has defended the existing structures, reflecting on the independent review he initiated back in 2017, which addressed grooming cases across Manchester and Oldham. He insisted, "There has been, and is, an on-going major inquiry, and there has been a substantial report on what happened in Oldham." Following this, he mentioned the outcomes, including arrests and convictions, affirming the inquiry should not be dismissed as ineffective.
Yet doubts linger, as many activists and victims echo concerns about transparency and thoroughness. "I welcome the discussion of whether there should be a national inquiry," Burnham remarked, acknowledging the discourse around the effectiveness of local versus national oversight.
The struggle for justice remains at the forefront, as survivors like Kelly Lees continue advocating for recognition and change. Despite the progress noted by Burnham, the comments from victims, alongside the messy political entanglements, highlight the need for systemic reform to prevent future abuses.
Critics argue without comprehensive accountability from those failing in their duty, the wounds of the past will continue to haunt the victims. The balance is precarious: the clamor for truth versus the political necessity to manage narratives, leaving many asking whether those responsible will ever be held to account.