As residents of Telford and Wrekin, we are deeply concerned about the harmful narratives being spread by figures on the far-right and others, which have highlighted Telford through social media controversies involving Shaun Davies MP. These narratives have reignited the trauma felt by CSE (Child Sexual Exploitation) survivors and deeply affected our community. Their suffering must be acknowledged, and their needs prioritised. Further delays and new inquiries will only prolong their distress. We call for the immediate implementation of the recommendations from the previous inquiry to prevent future abuse and provide the support survivors need.
CSE is often politicised, with some individuals focusing on the ethnicity of perpetrators to create division in our communities. While offenders can come from various ethnic and racial groups, most perpetrators in the UK are white men. This selective focus is being used by figures like Elon Musk and Tommy Robinson, who have links to those accused or convicted of CSE, to stir up racial tensions rather than addressing the real issue. A clear example of this is the large CSE case in Wolverhampton in 2023, where 21 individuals (some pictured to the right), mostly white men, were convicted of abusing seven children over nearly a decade. This case shows that perpetrators come from all backgrounds, and the focus must remain on the criminal actions of individuals, not villainizing any particular group.
Blaming minorities has long been a tactic used by far-right figures like Donald Trump, Nigel Farage, and others to promote fascistic solutions to imaginary dangers while diverting attention from their own troubling actions. It is little known that many right-wing political organisations have members with criminal records for abusing women and involvement in CSE. Given their outdated and often misogynistic views on women, it should come as no surprise that these figures use vulnerable communities as scapegoats. They tell us, “Don’t look here, look over there at the dark-skinned foreigners.” This distraction is not only unjust but dangerous. We must focus on the real issues and hold all perpetrators accountable, regardless of their background.
The government’s failure to address CSE is stark, and this lack of action allows the crime to continue. Despite the 2022 report by Professor Alexis Jay (pictured), which set out clear recommendations to tackle CSE and protect children and vulnerable communities, many of these measures have not been fully carried out. The report called for mandatory reporting of abuse by professionals such as police officers and social workers. It also recommended creating a Child Protection Authority (CPA) to oversee child welfare institutions, appointing a Minister for Children, and launching a public awareness campaign on CSE to educate the public on how to recognise, report, and support victims.
Sadly, these recommendations have been delayed or ignored. Mainstream political parties seem more focused on political gain, avoiding action because they fear losing votes. Instead of putting the protection of children first, some politicians are prioritising their own interests. This approach reflects a lack of principle, where the real needs of those affected by CSE are overlooked for political advantage. The time for further delays is over. The government must act now to implement these recommendations and take the necessary steps to protect children and vulnerable communities across the UK.
The abuse experienced by CSE survivors doesn’t just cause immediate harm; it leads to long-lasting physical, emotional, and mental health problems. The current political debate is retraumatising survivors, making their pain a tool in a political game. It’s imperative that we stop treating these issues as political fodder and instead focus on offering survivors the support they need to heal.
Prevention must be central, and this begins by addressing the root causes of CSE. To protect our children, we need to invest in youth services, education, and outreach programs that provide young people with the necessary support and skills to stay safe. Equally critical is tackling cultural factors, such as the sexualisation of young people in the media and the pervasive misogyny within male culture, both of which contribute to the exploitation of women and girls. Given that working-class children are often the most vulnerable and overlooked by society, a proactive strategy is needed to safeguard every child and ensure that all children, regardless of their background, have the support and resources they need to stay safe.
The Green Party is committed to addressing these issues by ensuring strong support systems for survivors and creating safe, nurturing environments for children to thrive. By prioritising early intervention and community-led solutions, we can reduce the risk of exploitation and build a society that truly values and protects every child.
Locally, we have long advocated for meaningful action on CSE, but we have been deeply disappointed by the Telford and Wrekin Council’s lack of engagement and action on these critical issues. In 2011, when the English Defence League (EDL) drew national attention to Telford over grooming gangs, the Council chose not to engage with Asian community leaders in responding to these accusations. This missed opportunity prevented a collaborative approach to address the issue and make clear that the community could work alongside recommendations from inquiries. Despite our efforts to encourage the community to acknowledge the problem and facilitate an open public discussion, the Council failed to support or participate in these initiatives. This lack of dialogue left critical issues unaddressed and hindered progress toward a united and effective response. Similarly, when concerns arose about the release of convicted offenders following Operation Chalice, we urged the Council to collaborate with probation services to ensure these individuals would not return to Telford and risk retraumatising survivors. Instead of taking proactive action to protect victims, our request was dismissed.
It is clear that the Council must now step up and adopt a new approach—one that values open dialogue, prioritises the voices of victims, and takes decisive action to prevent future harm. Our community deserves leadership that is committed to their safety and well-being, not political expediency. Only by working together can we ensure that our community is a safe place for all.
In conclusion, Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) is a deeply systemic issue that demands urgent and comprehensive action. Our response must prioritise the victims, hold perpetrators accountable, and ensure that no community is unfairly scapegoated. The wider Asian community, like all others in Telford and Wrekin, is equally appalled by these crimes. We must also recognise that healing is a crucial part of the response. Survivors of CSE need access to long-term support, trauma-informed services, and safe spaces to begin their recovery and rebuild their lives. Together, we can work towards building a society where children and vulnerable individuals are protected, and the cycle of abuse is broken.
Yours sincerely,
The Telford and Wrekin Green Party