Oldham Council is set to hold an emergency meeting about a grooming gang inquiry. This comes after previous requests for a government-led investigation were denied.
Oldham: The council is gearing up for an emergency meeting. They want to discuss an inquiry into past grooming gang cases in the area. It’s a big deal, especially since the last request for a government inquiry was turned down.
Conservative councillors are pushing for this vote. They feel the local inquiry isn’t enough to hold those responsible accountable. Councillor Luke Lancaster expressed concerns about the current inquiry’s limited powers.
He mentioned that while some survivors support the local inquiry, many are worried about its effectiveness. They want a stronger approach to ensure justice for victims.
Lancaster hopes that increased media attention will help their cause this time. He believes that community tensions shouldn’t stop the truth from coming out. Ignoring the issue could lead to more problems down the line.
Oldham’s council leader, Arooj Shah, responded to the call for the meeting. She emphasized that survivors shouldn’t be used for political gain. The Conservative group has the right to call for this meeting, but they need to clarify their intentions.
Meanwhile, Oldham council is preparing a local inquiry with government support. Some survivors have welcomed this move but still push for a national inquiry. They’ve asked for peace and urged against using their stories for political agendas.
Interestingly, this emergency meeting coincides with another one called by the Liberal Democrats. They’re looking to withdraw from a controversial housing scheme, which adds another layer to the council’s current challenges.
