Group-based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
House of Commons · Written Statements · 16 Jun 2026 · 1 speech · Official Report
Today marks one year since the publication of Baroness Casey’s national audit on group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse, and one year since this Government accepted all 12 recommendations. This was a landmark report, exposing more than a decade of inaction in the face of these appalling crimes, and it is right that these findings continue to command the highest level of attention. Time after time, victims and survivors were let down by the very institutions responsible for keeping them safe, despite repeated warnings and long-standing recommendations for action. This Government have been clear that we will not lose any more time in pursuing truth and justice for victims and survivors, who deserve so much better. I remain determined that we confront these failings directly and decisively. We must be clear-eyed about what went wrong, ensure full accountability, and drive the lasting change that is so urgently needed. I want to take this opportunity to update the House on the Government’s progress in delivering all 12 of Baroness Casey’s recommendations, and driving the change that victims and survivors deserve. In response to recommendation 1, we have legislated in the Crime and Policing Act 2026 to create new offences in England and Wales covering rape and other penetrative sexual activity with a child under 16 by an adult regardless of apparent consent, where that adult did not reasonably believe that the child was aged 16 or over, as long as they are at least 13....