Following Tuesday's release of an independent report into child sex abuse in Manchester, which concluded that "the authorities knew that many [vulnerable children] were being subjected to the most profound abuse and exploitation but did not protect them from the perpetrators", Manchester Conservatives are calling for a thorough investigation into the failings of Manchester’s governing authorities and their role in this scandal. It is absolutely appaling that authorities can fail the victims, the people they have the duty to care for, in such a way. All perpetrators of these crimes must be punished with the full force of the law, and anybody in a position of authority who failed in their duty to protect the victims, must face misconduct charges.
We are also calling on the political leadership of the Labour Council to own up to these shocking revelations, and take responsibility. The Labour-dominated Council has created, and presided over, an environment where the cultural sensitivities of criminals take precedence over the lives of vulnerable victims. To simply say "sorry" just isn’t good enough and shows Labour’s contempt for the victims in addition to all Manchester residents who expect the Labour Council to act on their behalf and protect them.