Yvette Cooper MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, commenting on further revelations about Fiona Woolf, said:

“Months after she first announced her inquiry into child abuse, Theresa May has totally failed to get it off the ground. Why has it taken her over a week to meet with victims groups who raise concerns about the suitability of Fiona Woolf? She should have done this immediately.

“This child abuse inquiry is really important but it will completely fail if no one has confidence in it - and particularly if victims do not trust it. It won’t work if there is a perception that information has been covered up. Nor will it work if there are continual unanswered questions.

“Theresa May urgently needs to show her appointed chair and expert panel have the independence, impartiality and credibility with victims to take forward this incredibly important work.

“If this isn’t finally sorted out immediately as a result of the meetings with victims this week, Theresa May will need to go back to the drawing board. We are badly risking the whole inquiry failing before it has even started.”