Professor Alexis Jay, who chaired the Child Sex Abuse Inquiry, has expressed being "disappointed and frustrated" that only two of her 20 recommendations have been implemented three years after the final report's publication. Speaking to BBC's Newsnight, she said her feelings were "nothing to those of victims and adult survivors who have put their trust in this process".
The inquiry concluded a seven-year investigation in October 2022, uncovering institutional failings and tens of thousands of victims across England and Wales. The probe described child sexual abuse as an "epidemic" across both nations, with Jay characterising the implementation process as "drawn out" and resulting in "a loss of confidence" among victims and survivors.
Government criticism intensifies
Jay questioned the previous administration's priorities, stating: "Especially with the last administration, it certainly has raised questions about what exactly is the priority that government has attached to this appalling heinous criminal acts that have been committed against children." Government ministers have faced mounting pressure since January, when delays in implementing the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse recommendations gained widespread attention.
Among the critics was billionaire X owner Elon Musk, who highlighted the UK's handling of child grooming scandals. Jay acknowledged that the current government was "engaging well" but criticised the lack of communication with victims and survivors about implementation progress.
She told BBC: "People can test out reviews about things and then you hear nothing again about it. It doesn't mean nothing's happening, but we're not kept informed of it. And I have to say again, for victims and survivors, this is very, very unhelpful. It's not difficult to keep people informed."
Current administration's response
In January, the Government committed to at least five local inquiries into grooming gangs and instructed police forces to reopen cold case investigations. A rapid audit by Baroness Casey was launched, with findings published in June.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (Labour) committed to launching a fresh national inquiry in June to investigate institutional failures. In September, Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips told MPs the Government was in the "final stages" of appointing a chairperson, with survivors and victims involved in the selection process.
New measures announced
Phillips responded to Jay's criticism by outlining current government action: "Earlier this year, I set out how we are taking action on the recommendations Alexis Jay made in her inquiry. This includes creating a mandatory duty to report child sexual abuse, establishing a new Child Protection Authority for England that will make our children's safety a priority, and making it easier for victims and survivors to get an apology and to pursue claims in the civil courts."
A new operation overseen by the National Crime Agency has already flagged more than 1,200 closed cases for review, according to Phillips.
Sources used: "BBC Newsnight" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
