Hertford and Stortford MP slams Tory ‘political opportunism of worst kind’ over rape gangs

Hertford and Stortford MP Josh Dean has defended his vote in favour of the Government’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.

On Wednesday (January 8), the House of Commons rejected a Conservative bid to set up a national inquiry into rape gangs by 364 votes to 111, a margin of 253.

Mr Dean’s North West Essex constituency neighbour and Tory party leader Kemi Badenoch attempted to attach an amendment to the Bill which would have killed the legislation.

Mr Dean has issued a letter for constituents. He said: “The reality of what happens in Parliament is often very different to the story newspaper headlines tell.

“I thought you would appreciate hearing directly from me about how the Opposition’s amendment would have jeopardised the Bill – particularly given our shared belief that the crimes committed against young women and girls by grooming gangs in parts of our country are horrific and vile, and that the perpetrators must be pursued and punished to the full extent of the law.”

He said the Conservative amendment had one aim – to kill the legislation at its second reading – and he accused the Tories of “political opportunism of the worst kind”.

He said: “It is frankly unconscionable and those who seek to make political gain out of this issue should be deeply ashamed.

“Child sex abuse and exploitation is intolerable and the findings of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse (IICSA) led by Professor Alexis Jay were harrowing.

“Our shared mission must be to secure justice for survivors and ensure there are stronger protections in law in the future.”

Mr Dean said Home Secretary Yvette Cooper would implement the report’s recommendations, including making it mandatory to report abuse; legislating to make grooming an aggravating factor when sentencing child sex offenders; and overhauling how evidence is gathered so exploitation is taken more seriously.

He said: “We’re putting an end to empty words and taking real action to protect children and young people.”

He said voting in favour of the Bill could also deliver real benefits for families in his constituency, saving them up to £500 a year.

Measures include a cap on the number of branded school uniform items and Labour’s plan for free breakfast clubs in primary schools.

“This Bill will make a real difference to the household finances of families and the life chances of children across Hertford and Stortford,” he said.

“From my regular engagement at local surgeries, I know how much parents will value having a free breakfast club at their local primary and a cheaper back-to-school shop.

“I’ll back this legislation every step of the way to break down the barriers to opportunity for children in Hertford and Stortford.”