Years of silence was a betrayal of victims

THE cases of so-called grooming gangs are among the most serious and repulsive instances of organised criminal activity we’ve seen in the United Kingdom.

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Thousands of girls, many very young, were subject to abduction, sexual assault and gang rape. They were forcibly drugged, assaulted and sexually trafficked. Some have simply disappeared off the face of the earth, and there are very credible allegations of murder.

Most of the victims were vulnerable. Many were in care. Some suffered from physical or mental disabilities.

Now, thanks to Lady Casey’s report and the Labour government’s belated decision to have an inquiry, it is officially a national scandal. My colleague Andrew Bowie is undoubtedly right to press the UK Home Secretary to ensure that any inquiry will also cover Scotland, to ensure that the rights of victims here are also addressed.