Sadiq Khan has been branded “duplicitous” after saying he will be “completely transparent” when it comes to reviewing potential cases of child sexual exploitation in the capital. Earlier this year, the Mayor of London told the London Assembly there were “no reports” or “indications” of organised child sexual exploitation gangs in London, like those seen in Rochdale or Rotherham.
But speaking to ITV London today, Mr Khan struck a different tone, saying grooming gangs in the capital are “far more complex” than those uncovered elsewhere in England. In the interview, Mr Khan said: “The police think that the specific type of systemic cases in some of those northern towns, with those awful perpetrators, were from one particular ethnic origin, the victims from another. Those horrific cases are not the sort of cases we’ve seen in London, they’re more complex. What you’re seeing in London is, group based child sex exploitation, gang based exploitation and other forms of sexual abuse.” He also stressed the need to be “specific” when speaking about gangs in London compared to those elsewhere in England.
His comments came just days after the Metropolitan Police confirmed it is reviewing 9,000 historic child sexual exploitation cases following an Express – MyLondon investigation that exposed potential grooming gang activity in the capital.
Mr Khan’s remarks prompted a furious reaction from the leader of the London Conservatives, Susan Hall, who accused the Mayor of hypocrisy. Ms Hall told the Express: “I pressed Khan eight times in January about the existence of grooming gangs in London. Each time, he dodged the question and tried to patronise me for raising this issue.
“A month later, my Conservative colleagues and I brought forward an amendment to Khan’s budget to fund an independent inquiry into exploitation of children in London. The amendment was voted down by Labour, the Greens and the Lib Dems.
“Whilst the Met Police review is welcome, it has come far later than it needs to. For the Mayor to suddenly be concerned about this issue, and to pretend as though he hasn’t ignored the plight of grooming gang survivors in London, is duplicitous and disappointing.”
Last week, City Hall said the Mayor “remains vigilant” and is “clear that no stone must be left unturned in pursuing justice for victims.”
A spokesperson said Mr Khan had led efforts to strengthen child protection, including commissioning an inspection of the Met’s handling of sexual exploitation cases and investing £233million to tackle violence against women and girls.
The force confirmed its review will look at cases dating back 15 years, including those involving peer-on-peer, familial and institutional abuse.
A spokesperson said: “Group-based offending, often described as grooming gangs, is particularly insidious and devastating in its impact.
“Our commitment to safeguarding all victims and bringing those responsible to justice is absolute.”
