Oral Answers to Questions

Carla Lockhart Excerpts

Wednesday 1st July 2026 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

We are determined to transform mental health services so that everyone gets the support they need. I am pleased to say that we have recruited 8,700 extra mental health workers. We have opened the first of six 24/7 neighbourhood mental health centres and ensured that nearly 800,000 more children and young people have access to a mental health support team at their school or college. There is more to be done, but this is a real step forward.

[Carla Lockhart (Upper Bann) (DUP)]

Q14. Last week in Northern Ireland, a former Member of this House was convicted of the most horrific child sexual abuse against two girls. I commend the victims for their extraordinary bravery in coming forward; it was their courage that secured a conviction, and I have no doubt that their resolve will help others to find their voice. No matter an abuser’s power or status, there can be no hiding place for someone who would steal the innocence of young children.Thousands of vulnerable young women in Rotherham, Oldham and across the UK were subjected to organised child sexual abuse and exploitation. In many cases, Pakistani-heritage grooming gangs were responsible, while institutions looked the other way. Before leaving office, the Prime Minister has the ability and opportunity to leave a legacy. Will he ensure that the promised statutory rape gang inquiry is delivered so that the truth can finally be told, those responsible are held to account and no child’s safety is sacrificed ever again for racial sensitivities?

[The Prime Minister]

I thank the hon. Lady for raising the case in Belfast that concluded last week and, like her, salute the courage of the victims to come forward. It must have taken extraordinary courage; it does in every single one of these cases, but particularly when they involve powerful people and institutions, it takes even more courage to do so. We salute them for their own acts, but also because that will, I hope, have helped others to see that if they do come forward, they will be believed and justice can be done, notwithstanding the difficulties.

On grooming, we have set up the inquiry and it is very important it goes wherever the evidence should take it. That is an absolute guiding principle of the inquiry.