Grooming inquiry row after survivors quit

JUSTICE minister Sarah Sackman has insisted victims can have confidence in the national inquiry into grooming gangs despite two child sexual abuse survivors quitting.

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Fiona Goddard and Ellie-Ann Reynolds resigned from the inquiry's victims and survivors liaison panel on Monday.

In her resignation letter, Ms Goddard said the process so far had involved “secretive conduct” with “condescending and controlling language” used towards survivors.

She also cited a “toxic, fearful environment” and a “high risk of people feeling silenced all over again”.

Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick told BBC Breakfast that the resignations “cast a real shadow over the Government's efforts” to set up the inquiry, and he said ministers must “grip this”.