Abuse inquiry ‘should not focus on VIPs’ in Westminster probe
THE WESTMINSTER strand of the wide-ranging child sex abuse inquiry should not investigate whether high-profile individuals such as former prime minister Sir Edward Heath were paedophiles, a hearing has been told.
It would not be necessary or proportionate for this part of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse to make findings as to whether individual allegations are true or false, a preliminary hearing was advised.
Andrew O’Connor QC, lead counsel to the Westminster strand, recommended six areas of investigation to inquiry head Professor Alexis Jay.
Among them were whether there was inappropriate interference in police investigations in an attempt to cover up wrongdoing, as well as in decisions to prosecute.
The inquiry should also look at how political parties reacted to allegations of child sex abuse and whether party whips failed to report or even took steps to conceal allegations, Mr O’Connor said.
Another area of focus should be what policies have been followed whenever candidates for honours became the subject of child sex abuse allegations, he added.
Finally, the inquiry should look into the Paedophile Information Exchange, the membership of which Mr O’Connor said “appears to have included senior members of the Westminster Establishment”.
He told the hearing public concern regarding allegations of a paedophile ring investigated by police under Operation Midland into claims made by a single accuser, known only as “Nick”, had “diminished considerably” after a police investigation resulted in no charges being brought.
Last year Operation Conifer had concluded that Sir Edward would be questioned over allegations that he raped and assaulted boys as young as ten were he alive today.
Recommending that allegations against individuals are not considered, Mr O’Connor said: “In general terms at least, those are matters for the police and for the courts. Moreover, the focus of this investigation – and indeed of the inquiry more generally – is on the conduct of institutions, not that of individuals.”
Proceedings were adjourned for a further preliminary hearing on a date to be set.