An overarching inquiry into allegations of child sexual abuse and exploitation involving people of public prominence associated with Westminster.
1. The Inquiry will investigate allegations of child sexual abuse involving current and/or former Members of Parliament, senior civil servants, government advisors, and/or members of the intelligence agencies (collectively ‘people of public prominence associated with Westminster’), including allegations:
1.1. that people of public prominence associated with Westminster were involved in the sexual abuse of children;
1.2. that Ministers, party whips, political parties, the intelligence and/or security services, law enforcement agencies, and/or prosecuting authorities were aware of the involvement of people of public prominence associated with Westminster in the sexual abuse of children, and failed to take adequate steps to prevent any such abuse from occurring and/or took steps to prevent such abuse from being revealed;
1.3. that there was, within the highest levels of government, a culture of tolerance towards those suspected of child sexual abuse; and/or
1.4. that people of public prominence associated with Westminster were involved in a conspiracy sexually to abuse children.
2. In light of the above investigations, the Inquiry will consider:
2.1. the adequacy and propriety of law enforcement investigations into allegations falling within paragraph 1 above, including consideration of whether there is evidence of inappropriate interference in any such investigations by politicians, the intelligence agencies, and/or other individuals or bodies holding statutory power;
2.2. the adequacy of existing safeguarding and child protection policies in place within political parties, in government departments and agencies, and in the intelligence and security agencies.
3. In light of the investigations set out above, the Inquiry will publish a report setting out its findings, lessons learned, and recommendations to improve child protection and safeguarding in England and Wales.
Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse Linked to Westminster - Definition of Scope