Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar MS has expressed deep disappointment after the Senedd rejected calls for a Wales-wide inquiry into grooming gangs.
The Welsh Conservatives supported a motion calling for Wales to be investigated at the earliest opportunity by the UK statutory inquiry into grooming gangs.
They also tabled an amendment calling on the Welsh Government to commission a Wales-wide inquiry into matters for which it is directly responsible.
However, the proposals were voted down this afternoon.
Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar MS said:
“This is a deeply disappointing outcome for victims and everyone who wants the full truth about grooming gangs in Wales to be established.
“The UK inquiry is important, but many of the services which may have had contact with victims, including councils, social services, schools and the NHS, are devolved.
“A Wales-wide inquiry could work alongside the UK investigation to establish what happened, whether opportunities to protect children were missed and what changes are needed to prevent further abuse.
“When I raised concerns about this issue last year, I did not believe they were taken as seriously as they should have been. Recent convictions have underlined why these concerns cannot be dismissed or played down.
“This should not be a party-political matter. Vulnerable children were exploited and victims deserve justice, support and answers.
“I hope the Plaid Cymru Government will reflect on today’s vote and reconsider the case for an inquiry. We owe it to victims to examine what happened openly and honestly, learn every possible lesson and ensure that institutional failings are never repeated.”
