Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she plans to initiate a public inquiry to investigate safeguarding failures in the alleged historic child sex abuse on Caldey Island.

The Government recognises the pain and lasting trauma endured by victims and survivors of child sexual abuse, and we understand their need for answers as well as reassurance that the systems that let them down so badly will not do so again.

This Government continues to be clear that it is for the local authorities in individual areas, which are responsible for delivering services, to commission local inquiries. Pembrokeshire local authority must ensure that all lessons have been learnt and that local partners are doing everything possible to protect children from harm.

At a national level, the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse is focused on uncovering institutional failings, including through their recent report into child protection in religious organisations. A final report is expected in 2022, and we will continue to carefully consider all of the Inquiry’s recommendations to ensure real and permanent change is delivered in how children are safeguarded.

The Home Office is also helping local regions to improve their response to child sexual abuse. We are funding the Prevention Programme, delivered by The Children’s Society, which delivers tailored interventions to improve collaboration and help identify specific regional threats. We support the College of Policing in providing specialist training for senior officers, to develop high standards of leadership in safeguarding, as well as the Vulnerability Knowledge and Practice Programme which identifies and shares best practice across forces in England and Wales.