Blackpool: Heated exchange in grooming gang inquiry debate
Child targeted online
The ruling Labour group instead voted for an amendment welcoming the government's decision to implement the recommendations made by the Jay Report, following a seven year inquiry into child sex abuse.Councillor Jim Hobson, cabinet member for children's services, said the outcome of an inspection into child safeguarding had been received, which praised the council's response to children at risk of exploitation.But Mr Galley told the meeting child grooming gangs potentially operated from hotels and amusement arcades and warned "Blackpool should have a voice" in any future inquiry which needed to cover links to coastal towns.Conservative group deputy leader councillor Michele Scott added: "We have all seen the reports of vile crimes against children. We have heard how this is a far greater problem in our society and far more widespread than any of us could have imagined."She said a child in her own ward had recently been targeted by an online groomer and was saved only due to the vigilance of their family, while the police had recently sent text messages to residents warning them of the risks of grooming and county lines.Councillors including councillor Jim O'Neill from Reform UK said the recommendations of the Jay Report should be implemented at the same time as a new national inquiry was held.But the Labour group said Blackpool had been successfully tackling the risk of child sexual exploitation in the town since 2004 when the multi-agency Awaken task force had been set up following the disappearance of 14-year-old schoolgirl Charlene Downes.
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The Sun
24 minutes ago
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Official Home Office figures have been less forthcoming since then. But with 95 per cent of arrivals attempting to claim asylum, without a dramatic hike in deportations this problem is not going to go away. Despite a Labour manifesto commitment to 'end asylum hotels, saving the taxpayer billions of pounds', that target has been kicked into 2029, meaning billions more will be spent until at least the end of the decade. And compare 'Alligator Alcatraz' to how soft-touch Britain pampers those in the asylum queue. This week, we learnt pre-charged debit cards handed to migrants have been used in 6,537 attempts to gamble in bookies or casinos. Illegal black market There are more than 80,000 of these pre-loaded 'Aspen' cards in circulation, topped up every Monday by the Home Office with up to £49 a week for guests using self-catering accommodation. They are meant to give weekly payments so users can buy necessities. 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While the US government's methods are not for the squeamish, they have clearly been effective. Sir Keir warned his Cabinet this week that the very social fabric of Britain is starting to fray and social disorder is a major risk among a population that feels ignored on immigration. Well, surely then it's time to get real and take some uncomfortable measures? Yes, Trump is not bound by foreign courts, but he took on his own legal system on many immigration measures and won — something Sir Keir should look into if he really is as worried as he claims about the impact of unfettered crossings and community breakdown. The PM could learn a thing or two from the President, if he's serious.
