Justice, Truth, and Accountability: Bradford Must Play Its Part in the National Response to Child Sexual Exploitation

Cllr Brendan Stubbs, (Liberal Democrat Group Leader on Bradford Coucil) sets out the Liberal Democrat priorities for the National Inquiry into group based Child Sexual Exploitation following discussion at a recent metting of the Council 

The announcement of a new statutory national inquiry into group-based child sexual exploitation (CSE) marks a vital moment for the country, and especially for Bradford. It is a long-overdue opportunity to deliver justice, truth, and real accountability for survivors of some of the most appalling crimes imaginable.

As I said in the Council chamber:

“Let us be clear: the grooming, abuse, and exploitation of children is one of the most horrific crimes imaginable. The survivors have shown extraordinary courage in speaking out, and we owe them not just our sympathy, but justice, truth, and real accountability.”

A National Inquiry That Can Deliver Change

The Liberal Democrats have long called for a full, independent statutory inquiry into group-based child sexual exploitation. This isn’t a recent position, nor is it one rooted in political opportunism. It is a principled stance based on our commitment to protecting the vulnerable, standing up for victims and survivors, and tackling institutional failure head-on.

We have been clear that any effective investigation must:

• Be fully independent from Government and local authorities
• Have statutory powers to compel evidence and witnesses
• Put survivors and victims at the heart of the process
• Provide long-term support, including trauma-informed mental health services
• Lead to real accountability and systemic reform

That’s why we welcome the Government’s recent commitment to act on the recommendations of Baroness Casey and Professor Alexis Jay, and the creation of a new statutory Independent Commission.

But we are under no illusions. Announcements are easy. Change is hard.

As I said in my speech:

“We welcome the creation of a statutory Independent Commission and urge the Council and the Government to act promptly, not slowly, to initiate this work.”

Bradford Must Not Shy Away

For Bradford, the path forward is clear: we must not shy away from this moment.

“Bradford must be fully transparent, cooperative, and proactive in ensuring the district is included in the inquiry. There can be no healing without truth and no justice without accountability.”

The district has been the focus of multiple inquiries and reports in recent years, and serious questions remain unanswered. Survivors deserve more than reassurances, they deserve to know that we are committed to uncovering the full truth.

The truth is that previous reluctance, both from national Government and locally, to support a comprehensive inquiry has eroded public trust. We now have a chance, and a moral duty, to rebuild that trust by fully supporting the new inquiry.

Let us be clear: this is not about political point-scoring. This is about doing what is right.

“The Government’s and this Council’s past reluctance to support a national inquiry has damaged trust. We now have an opportunity and a moral duty to rebuild that trust.”

Supporting Survivors – In Word and Deed

Crucially, we must ensure that survivors and victims are not just listened to, but supported—with real services, real care, and real action.

“We particularly support the commitment to place the voices of victims and survivors at the centre of this process, and to ensure they are appropriately supported, not just with words, but with access to long-term, trauma-informed mental health care and practical help.”

This must include funding for community-based support, specialist counselling services, and better access to justice and housing for survivors whose lives have been devastated.

Words of sympathy are not enough. We need action, and long-term commitment.

Justice, Not Division

One of the most dangerous consequences of inaction, silence, or delay is that it creates a vacuum—one too easily filled by those who seek to spread division, misinformation, or hate.

We must be absolutely clear:

“This is about justice for victims, not vilifying entire communities. Perpetrators must be held to account, but we will not allow the actions of a depraved minority to fuel division or hatred.”

The Liberal Democrats reject scapegoating. We stand for justice, not collective blame. We will not allow far-right narratives or populist rhetoric to derail efforts to safeguard children or support survivors.

Justice and unity must go hand in hand.

This is Not Just About the Past

Finally, it is vital that we remember: this is not just an historic issue.

Group-based child sexual exploitation has not gone away. While increased awareness and improved safeguarding have made some difference, serious risks remain. Children and young people, especially those who are vulnerable, marginalised, or without strong family support, are still being abused and exploited today.

The systems meant to protect them still fail too often. Warning signs still go unheeded. Institutional failures, whether in policing, social care, or political leadership—persist.

We must act with urgency. Not only to uncover the truth of what happened in the past, but to prevent it from happening again.

“We support this inquiry not because it is easy, but because it is right.”

The Liberal Democrats will continue to fight for truth, justice, and the protection of every child, here in Bradford and across the country.