Operation Midland Debate

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Department: Department for International Development

Lord Watts

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House of Lords

Operation Midland

Lord Watts Excerpts

Children in Care
Monday 3rd February 2020

(4 years, 2 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Baroness Williams of Trafford Portrait Baroness Williams of Trafford
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I have explained it many times and I know that I have not convinced this House why. It would be a matter for the police, who are operationally independent of government. It would be up to them if they wanted to carry out an inquiry. As I have said, Operation Conifer has been scrutinised over several layers, and it seemed a very robust and thorough inquiry.

Lord Watts Portrait Lord Watts (Lab)
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My Lords, what is the point of having powers if the Government refuse to use them?

Baroness Williams of Trafford Portrait Baroness Williams of Trafford
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As I have just explained, the Government would not usually instigate an inquiry in this sort of situation. It would be up to the police to do so, should that be appropriate.

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