Home Secretary Confirmed

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed the government would not back a judge-led review, reiterating instead her department’s support for a locally-led investigation already planned by Oldham Council.

Calls for a more powerful statutory inquiry — one with the authority to compel witnesses to testify — were reignited earlier this year when the local Conservative group forced an extraordinary meeting of the Labour-led council in February. Councillors voted unanimously to urge the government to reconsider, despite ministers rejecting a similar request in 2023.

In her letter to the council, Cooper stated the Home Office “stands ready” to support the local probe as it progresses. She emphasised the government’s broader commitment to helping local areas confront child sexual exploitation, citing a previously announced £5 million fund set aside to support up to four similar inquiries across the UK.

Last month, Oldham Council named Tom Crowther KC — the barrister who led the high-profile abuse inquiry in Telford — as the head of its own investigation.

Writing to the council, Cooper said: “We will work closely with local areas to confront these terrible crimes.” She also referenced ongoing work on the proposed “Hillsborough Law”, which includes a legal duty of candour aimed at compelling public bodies to fully cooperate with investigations. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to introduce the law by the anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster on 15 April.

Cover-ups

Cooper added that such legislation would ensure those involved in cover-ups or who attempt to avoid scrutiny would be held accountable, and that “truth and justice are never denied.”

She said officials from her department were prepared to work with Oldham Council to “establish our expectations around candour in advance of the inquiry”.

An Oldham Council spokesperson said arrangements for the local review are currently being finalised. “This process will be taking place over the coming weeks and will ensure survivors are at the heart of the local inquiry and give them the best start on their mission to seek justice,” they said.