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New Delhi: British MP Rupert Lowe has again reignited the debate on the grooming gang scandal by giving an emotional speech in Parliament. He read the statements of the victims who came forward during the two-week independent hearing. Lowe said the world should hear what emerged at the hearing. He appealed to MPs to listen to the brave survivors and take action now.

Questions raised on the failure of the system   

According to media reports, Lowe described in his speech how sexual exploitation, violence and threats were rampant. He said that girls were targeted on the basis of race. The police were also accused of wrongdoing. Lowe claims that government officials, health workers and children’s home staff repeatedly failed to protect vulnerable children.

The network was spread in 85 areas   

These statements were recorded during an independent investigation into group-based sexual exploitation of children. Last year, a private investigation led by Lowe found such gangs in at least 85 areas of Britain. The statement issued in August said that these gangs, mostly of men of Pakistani origin, had been active for decades. Their scope was much larger than previously estimated. The report said that the pattern of Pakistani men and gross negligence of government institutions is clearly visible.

Victims told painful stories   

Lowe read statements from several victims in Parliament. A survivor said that she was exploited by hundreds of people for three years from the age of 13. Discrimination on the basis of religion and race came to light in many statements. One victim said the perpetrators justified the exploitation by portraying Christian girls as having low moral values. Whereas Muslim girls were said to have high values.

Police and hospital also accused   

Some victims also accused police officers of exploitation. A statement said that policemen committed rape in different parts of the country. Another survivor told that when she went to the hospital at the age of 15, the staff did not ask any questions. Just gave medicine and sent it. A witness said the abuse increased during Eid and holidays. The parties became bigger and more violent.

allegation of keeping in cages  

Lowe also read a statement from a woman who had seen 15 to 20 girls locked in cages. Another victim said that she was treated in a very inhuman manner. Lowe said one survivor appealed that all this should stop. This should not happen to any other child. People should stop being afraid and actually do something.