Hilary Benn MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, commenting on Louise Casey’s report into Rotherham Borough Council, said:

“The Jay Report last September exposed the sheer scale of the sexual exploitation of children in Rotherham and the failure of public bodies to protect them.

“Today’s report on Rotherham Council makes damning reading. It reveals very serious past and current failings. It is clear that fundamental change is needed and urgent action must now be taken. Given the terrible suffering of the victims at the hands of their abusers, nothing less will do.

“It is also important that all local authorities and public bodies learn from what happened and ensure that they work together to prevent, identify and combat child sexual exploitation wherever it occurs.”

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