Question

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to reject the Equality and Human Rights Commission updated draft code of practice for services, public functions and associations.

Answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

The EHRC has revised its Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations following the consultation and submitted it to the Minister for Women and Equalities.

The Government is considering the updated draft Code and, if the decision is taken to approve it, the Code will be laid before Parliament for a 40 day period. It is right that the Minister takes the time to consider it in detail and follow the necessary steps.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they have taken to ensure that the scope of the national inquiry into grooming gangs will include the consideration of the historic background and factors behind child sexual exploitation and abuse in the United Kingdom.

Answered by Lord Hanson of Flint - Minister of State (Home Office)

We are working urgently to establish the Inquiry and Baroness Casey of Blackstock is supporting this process.

Our immediate priority is appointing a Chair with the credibility and experience to lead the inquiry, ensuring a trauma-informed approach to engaging victims and survivors throughout - from its design to reporting. We aim to announce a Chair as soon as possible.

Under the Inquiries Act, the Minister is responsible for defining the scope and structure of an inquiry. Once a Chair is appointed, in line with the requirements of the Inquiries Act 2005, the Chair will play a central role in shaping the Inquiry’s Terms of Reference.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government on what date they will announce the appointment of the chair of the national inquiry into group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse.

Answered by Lord Hanson of Flint - Minister of State (Home Office)

We are working urgently to establish the Inquiry and Baroness Casey of Blackstock is supporting this process.

Our immediate priority is appointing a Chair with the credibility and experience to lead the inquiry, ensuring a trauma-informed approach to engaging victims and survivors throughout - from its design to reporting. We aim to announce a Chair as soon as possible.

Under the Inquiries Act, the Minister is responsible for defining the scope and structure of an inquiry. Once a Chair is appointed, in line with the requirements of the Inquiries Act 2005, the Chair will play a central role in shaping the Inquiry’s Terms of Reference.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what role ministers will have in shaping the terms of reference for the national inquiry into group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse.

Answered by Lord Hanson of Flint - Minister of State (Home Office)

We are working urgently to establish the Inquiry and Baroness Casey of Blackstock is supporting this process.

Our immediate priority is appointing a Chair with the credibility and experience to lead the inquiry, ensuring a trauma-informed approach to engaging victims and survivors throughout - from its design to reporting. We aim to announce a Chair as soon as possible.

Under the Inquiries Act, the Minister is responsible for defining the scope and structure of an inquiry. Once a Chair is appointed, in line with the requirements of the Inquiries Act 2005, the Chair will play a central role in shaping the Inquiry’s Terms of Reference.