The Deputy Prime Minister opened today's Cabinet by saying her
thoughts were with all those who lost loved ones following the
devastating Air India plane crash last week. She reflected on
attending a memorial service at the Indian High Commission
yesterday, and said it was a very moving occasion. The Foreign
Secretary updated on the Government's efforts to assist families
and loved ones affected, and make sure the right assistance was
put in place to support India with the crash investigation.
The Foreign Secretary also updated on the concerning developments
in the Middle East. He said the need to find a route to peace
through diplomacy and dialogue was more important than ever. He
reiterated the Prime Minister's focus at the G7 to urge
de-escalation. The Foreign Secretary updated on work to support
British nationals, staff and dependents in the region. He added
it was important we did not lose focus on the situation in Gaza
and the West Bank, and the need to see a ceasefire, a significant
increase in humanitarian aid and the release of all hostages.
The Chancellor added that we know all too well that these global
events have an impact at home and on working people, which is why
this government has doubled down on fixing the barriers to growth
and delivering energy security for the
UK.
The Deputy Prime Minister said Baroness Casey's report into
grooming gangs made for difficult reading for all. She said the
sexual exploitation of children was truly heinous, and invited
the Home Secretary to update on the strong response by the
Government to punish the perpetrators and protect children from
harm. The Home Secretary said we cannot afford more wasted years,
so we will introduce a new statutory inquiry to direct local
investigations and hold institutions to account for past
failures. The National Crime Agency will also carry
out a nationwide operation to track down
grooming gang members and put them behind bars. She
noted this builds on the Government's work to implement the
recommendations of the Jay Inquiry, and asking police forces to
look again at closed cases, which has led to over 800 cases being
reopened.
She said victims and survivors need action now, and this
government will fundamentally overhaul the way organisations work
to support victims and put perpetrators behind bars.
