Grooming gangs victim pens letter to Keir Starmer as he risks 'silencing and failing' affected women

Calls for Jess Philips to stand down have been ongoing since a group of four survivors resigned from the inquiry's panel.

They argue that the inquiry should focus exclusively on grooming gangs and should not include other forms of child sexual abuse.

The survivors also accused the Safeguarding Minister of "betrayal" after she described reports of the inquiry's potential scope widening as "untrue".

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood have reiterated their confidence in Phillips and confirmed that the inquiry will remain "laser-focused" on grooming gangs.

The process of justice is facing month-long delays after both shortlisted candidates to head the inquiry pulled out earlier this month.

Jim Gamble, a former police officer and the lead candidate, and Annie Hudson, a former director of children’s services for Lambeth council, stepped down after some survivors criticised their professional backgrounds.

Addressing the Prime Minister in a personal letter, Ms Helliwell wrote: "I want to express how deeply disappointed I am with how this inquiry has been handled from the very beginning. It was supposed to be survivor-led, trauma-informed, and supported properly."

She argued that this process, promised in June following Baroness Louise Casey's report, has not been delivered, adding that the grooming gangs' cover-up should not be grouped with all forms of child sexual exploitation (CSE) and abuse (CSA).

As a solution, Ms Helliwell suggested that the Government should open a separate inquiry into other forms of child abuse.

The survivor said: "This inquiry must return to its original purpose: to address grooming gangs and support their survivors. I'm asking you to put this right."

She added: "We've been kept in the dark about what's happening. Survivors have been misrepresented. Jess Phillips publicly called Fiona Goddard a liar about expanding the inquiry's scope, even though we received those questions by email.

"Jess Phillips should no longer be involved in this inquiry, having lost the faith of grooming gang survivors.

"It's now widely known that the panel includes survivors of various types of abuse, not just grooming gangs.

"We've watched debates in Parliament that feel like empty promises."

Ms Helliwell highlighted that Sir Keir's personal letter to grooming gang victims did not include their names, describing it as "automated, impersonal, and dismissive."

She continued: "The same letter, with just one line changed, was sent to the four survivors who resigned from the panel. They deserved better. We all did.

"Please don't forget what this inquiry was originally for: grooming gangs and their survivors. You're at risk of silencing and failing us again."

She referenced the four survivors who have already stepped away from the inquiry and warned that more will follow, adding: "And that means failing current victims, too-those still suffering today.

"It also discourages others from coming forward, now and in the future. I urge you to do the right thing. Help restore some faith. Let us work together to get the justice we so desperately need."

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