Committee hear further localised child grooming evidence

As part of its long-running inquiry into child sexual exploitation and the localised grooming of children, the Committee will take evidence from witnesses Shaykh Ibrahim Mogra and Alyas Karmani who will be assisting the Committee in its examination of whether the race of the perpetrators and victims is a factor in cases of localised grooming. The Committee will be asking Sheila Taylor to use her lengthy experience in the field to outline changes in attitudes towards grooming over time from a national perspective and Martine Osmond about her experience working on the frontline. The Committee will also take evidence from the Children’s Minister the following day to scrutinise the work of the Government on this issue.

Tuesday 19 March 2013
Venue: Grimond Room
Watch the Tuesday evidence session: Localised child grooming

Witnesses

2.45 pm

3.15 pm

• Sheila Taylor, National Working Group for sexually exploited children and young people
• Martine Osmond, The Children’s Society

Witness

10.30 am

Chair's comments

Committee Chairman Rt Hon Keith Vaz MP said: 

"In our inquiry into localised grooming the Committee have listened to descriptions of young people being continually let down by systems which were intended to protect them. We intend to use this evidence session to hear from people on the frontline to see if promised changes are being implemented.
 
We will also address the issue of race which has been a constant theme throughout the inquiry. We hope to get a better understanding of why some commentators have drawn attention to what they say is a pattern of Muslim men exploiting young white girls. Finally, we will hear from the Minister as to whether the Government is implementing the changes which are necessary to protect these vulnerable young people."

Further information 

• About Parliament: Select Committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees