BLIND EYE TO NONCES Report blasts Establishment who let perverts abuse kids
THE political establishment spent decades turning “a blind eye” to allegations of child sexual abuse, with high-profile politicians protected from police action as whips sought to avoid “gossip and scandal” which would damage the parties, a scathing report has found.
The long-awaited investigation into historical allegations against MPs, peers and civil servants working in Westminster found that political institutions “significantly failed in their responses to allegations of child sexual abuse”.
It cited as an example the evidence of former Liberal party leader Lord Steel, who told the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse last year how he failed to pass on allegations against prominent colleague Sir Cyril Smith – even though he believed them to be true – because it was “past history”.
He later recommended Smith for a knighthood.
The report found no evidence of a coordinated “paedophile ring” in Westminster, after claims by fantasist Carl Beech of its existence, and also stated there was no proof such a network was covered up by security services or police.
But it said institutions “regularly put their own reputations or political interests before child protection”.
Professor Alexis Jay, who chaired the inquiry, said: “It is clear to see Westminster institutions have repeatedly failed to deal with allegations of child sexual abuse, from turning a blind eye to shielding abusers.
“A consistent pattern emerged of failures to put the welfare of children above political status although we have found no evidence of an organised network of paedophiles within government.
“We hope this report and its recommendations will lead political institutions to prioritise the needs and safety of vulnerable children.”