The Scottish Government has announced a full public inquiry into group-based child sexual abuse, following significant public pressure and criticism of its previous stance. This decision marks a dramatic shift from five months ago when Justice Secretary Angela Constance stated there was no need for such an investigation. On September 16, 2023, Constance claimed there was no evidence of widespread grooming gangs in Scotland, citing Professor Alexis Jay, a leading expert on child sexual abuse. However, her assertion misrepresented Professor Jay’s comments, which were specific to England.
Despite the earlier dismissal of concerns regarding organized sexual abuse, the Scottish Government’s recent announcement indicates a response to growing calls for accountability. Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth made the announcement in the Holyrood chamber, promising that “no stone will be left unturned in the pursuit of justice.” She also revealed that Professor Jay would lead the statutory inquiry, with a complementary truth project led by John O’Brien to ensure the voices of survivors are central to the process.
This sudden shift in policy has raised eyebrows, as some critics suggest it may be politically motivated, especially with upcoming elections. Concerns over grooming gangs have been longstanding, with reports indicating that Scotland has under-investigated the issue for years. A 2022 report by Sky News labelled organized child sexual abuse as a “hidden pandemic” in the Central Belt of Scotland, yet no inquiry was initiated at that time.
Survivors have begun to share their stories, including individuals like ‘Taylor’, who recounted being abused by a group of men while in the care system. Another survivor, Holly Alex, published a memoir detailing her experiences as one of many girls subjected to abuse while in care in Edinburgh. For much of the past year, the Scottish Government maintained that the system was functioning adequately, dismissing the need for further investigation.
Calls for a public inquiry intensified recently, with Joani Reid, the Labour MP for East Kilbride, emerging as a prominent advocate. While Reid welcomed the announcement, she expressed frustration at the delay in addressing the issue. “The SNP has been in government for nearly two decades,” she noted. “Child protection, policing, social work – these are devolved responsibilities. Accountability sits in Edinburgh.”
The announcement of the inquiry comes amid rising sexual crime statistics in Scotland. According to the latest data from Police Scotland, reports of sexual crimes have increased by 10 percent, with indecent images of children rising by 20 percent. Despite this alarming trend, reliable data on child sexual exploitation remains scarce.
As the public inquiry prepares to move forward, the emphasis must be on ensuring it is genuinely independent and well-resourced. Reid underscored the need for thorough scrutiny of all public agencies involved in child protection, from social work departments to government officials. “An inquiry only works if it’s properly resourced, genuinely independent and works to a clear timetable,” she stated.
The inquiry’s primary objective is to determine whether Scotland’s children will be safer as a result of its findings. With the Scottish Government now facing increased scrutiny, the upcoming inquiry must not only address past failures but also implement necessary reforms to protect vulnerable youth in the future. There is a strong public demand for a system that prioritizes the safety and welfare of children and holds accountable those responsible for their protection. The time for meaningful action is now.
