Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse Debate

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Department: Home Office

Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse

Christina Rees Excerpts
Monday 21st November 2016

(7 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Sarah Newton Portrait Sarah Newton
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I agree to make sure that the hon. Lady gets a response to her letter and the detailed concerns she raises.

Christina Rees Portrait Christina Rees (Neath) (Lab/Co-op)
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There has never been an official Welsh representative on the inquiry, despite intense lobbying by Welsh Government Ministers, the then Health Minister, Mark Drakeford, and the Social Services Minister, Gwenda Thomas. Considering that this is an England and Wales inquiry, will the Minister give an assurance that there are open lines of communication with the Welsh Government, so that devolved aspects can be appropriately discussed? Will she confirm that the interests of Welsh victims are adequately protected?

Sarah Newton Portrait Sarah Newton
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Of course, it is really important that people living in Wales, like those living all over our country, can have their voices heard. It is an independent inquiry, however, so I respectfully ask that the hon. Lady makes those representations to Professor Jay to make sure that she is satisfied that victims in Wales feel they are being listened to.