A senior Tory MP has launched a scathing attack on the Labour government over its handling of inquiries into child sexual exploitation cases.
Robbie Moore expressed fury that Bradford district has so far been excluded from local inquiries, despite his consistent calls for investigation in the area.
The MP claimed that if an inquiry took place in Bradford, it would "dwarf the scale of Oldham's" investigation.
His criticism comes amid accusations that Labour is watering down its pledges on tackling grooming gangs.
Robbie Moore lashed out at Jess Phillips' announcement
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Moore highlighted the council's refusal to allow an inquiry in Bradford, saying the Home Secretary had provided "no reassurance" on the matter.
The MP expressed frustration over the lack of a developed framework for the inquiries.
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Charlie Peters sat discussing the ordeal with a grooming gangs victimGB News"There has been no framework worked up. There was no mention today whatsoever of five local inquiries," Moore stated.
He claimed that the Home Secretary had initially promised £5 million would be allocated to five different local inquiries, only Oldham has been confirmed.
The funding arrangement has also changed, according to Moore.
"The £5 million being referenced is also being watered down to spend to be allowed to spend on other things beyond the additional four local inquiries," he said.
Mubarek (left) and Ahdel (right) Ali - Telford's convicted grooming gang ringleadersWEST MERCIA POLICEConservative frontbencher Katie Lam has also raised concerns about the progress of these inquiries.
She told the Commons that MPs know "almost nothing" about the development of local inquiries into "rape gangs which have terrorised so many innocent children".
Lam questioned why the framework for local inquiries is now being led by ministers rather than independent voices.
She also raised concerns about the racial and religious aspects of these crimes.
"The girls we're talking about are predominantly white, the men who preyed on them were predominantly Muslim generally, either from Pakistan or of Pakistani heritage," Lam stated.
She called for a "dedicated unit" in the National Crime Agency to investigate allegations of collusion.
Moore emphasised the gravity of the situation for victims and survivors who have "horrifically gone through" these experiences.
His frustration was particularly focused on Bradford, which he believes requires urgent attention.
"That is why the Government needs to get a grip on this issue to force an inquiry," Moore insisted.
The Home Office has commented in response: "That is patently false. The £5m funding announced in January is being made available to local authorities to help strengthen local responses to child sexual exploitation, and all local authorities will be able to apply for funding for local inquiries or other work in this area.
"The Home Secretary has written to every local authority on our plans to support local inquiries, and after listening to local authorities about what they need, we made the decision to implement the fund in a flexible way."
