A cross-party call for Birmingham to be included in the national inquiry into grooming gangs has been backed by MPs from both the Conservative and Labour parties.
The joint letter, signed by Birmingham Conservative Group Leader Cllr Robert Alden, Sutton Coldfield MP Sir Andrew Mitchell and Birmingham Yardley MP Jess Phillips, has been sent to Baroness Louise Casey's Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs urging Birmingham's inclusion in the next tranche of local authority investigations. The letter was circulated to all Birmingham MPs and Leaders of Political Parties on Birmingham City Council (on the 22nd June and followed up with a reminder on the 25th June) inviting their support but others have either not responded or indicated they were unwilling to sign the proposed letter.
Cllr Robert Alden said:
"The abuse suffered by victims of grooming gangs is one of the most horrific crimes imaginable. They deserve the truth, justice and confidence that things will change. I want to thank Jess Phillips and Sir Andrew Mitchell for putting party politics aside and joining this call for Birmingham to be included in the national inquiry. This issue is far too important for political point scoring. We recognise the important work that Jess Phillips has also done to highlight the need to include Birmingham in the inquiry. It is disappointing that others did not feel they could sign this letter. However I urge the other groups on the City Council to reconsider and support our call, because every elected representative should want Birmingham to play its full part in helping the inquiry establish the facts and deliver justice for victims.
If Birmingham has relevant evidence to provide, or lessons to learn, then it is vital that our city is included. Victims and survivors deserve nothing less."
The letter argues that Birmingham's previous cases and allegations, together with its position as a major transport hub, mean the city should form part of the inquiry to help build a complete understanding of how these crimes were committed and enabled. It also states that there is broad support across Birmingham for full cooperation with the inquiry and for ensuring victims and survivors have the opportunity to be heard.
Notes:
A draft letter was sent on 22nd June, giving all MPs and the leaders of each political group on the council the opportunity to sign. Laurence Turner MP (Northfield) indicated he was unable to sign joint letters due to his role as PPS.
