Statement from Mayor of Greater Manchester following publication of IICSA's Rochdale report

 “This is a damning report, but one that at last opens up the possibility of truth and justice for those children who have suffered - and accountability for those who were in a position of responsibility but failed to act.
 
“Now, it is essential that those who have been found responsible for failing in their public duties are held properly and fully to account.

“There is also a need to ensure we are doing everything we can to protect children today. Although the events covered by this report are historical, there have been more recent cases in Rochdale where children have been abused and it is claimed institutions did not do all they could to safeguard them. 

“This is why, last year, I set up an independent review of current practice to see if Greater Manchester has the right culture and the best possible systems in place to put children first. This review is not complete, but it is clear there has been significant progress made in strengthening the protection of young people in Greater Manchester. The review will now look at the IICSA report and assess what implications it has.

“The people of Rochdale and Greater Manchester have the right to know if children today are being protected, and not let down as they have been in the past. I will not rest until we can be certain we have the right culture in place where children’s safety comes first.”