Grooming gangs: MP denies claims on voting against action

HYNDBURN MP Sarah Smith has issued a statement addressing claims she says have suggested 'she voted against action on grooming gangs'.

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Mrs Smith hit back at what she describes as 'false claims' made on social media suggesting she voted against an inquiry into grooming gangs.

Mrs Smith says she is backing a full public inquiry to ensure lessons are learned and victims receive justice.

She added she refused to back a Conservative reasoned amendment moved at the Second Reading of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill on January 8.

While the amendment mentioned a national inquiry into grooming gangs, Mrs Smith says she could not support this particular amendment because she says 'it would not have advanced victims’ interests' but 'would have defeated a bill containing measures recommended by previous inquiries'.