As a father of two young daughters, I especially believe that no one complicit in the rape of innocent children should be allowed in public office.
I know that the vast majority of Rother Valley residents agree with me. We know there are a handful who prefer silence - I am not one of them.
That is why, today I presented my 10-minute rule bill to Parliament that, if introduced, would see anyone associated with Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) would be barred from public office and significant roles in public life.
A 10 minute rule bill is a way for MPs who are not ministers to see new legislation introduced, and this is a matter that I care passionately about. Everyone knows Rotherham's shameful history, and we cannot allow it to happen again, but we must also look to ensure that any individual who had knowledge of the sickening abuse and failed to disclose, report or act upon it, does not remain in a position of power or authority.
I have worked alongside survivors since my election, calling for a Child Sexual and Criminal Abuse Commissioner, and successfully campaigning alongside Sammy Woodhouse to recognise children born as a result of rape as victims in law. I was proud also to welcome the Home Secretary Suella Braverman MP to Rother Valley to discuss new legislation introduced by the Government that makes failure to act on information or suspicion relating to CSE a criminal offence for the first time.
The Government is alive to the very real issues affecting places like Rotherham, Telford and others, and my new bill would build upon this new legislation to clamp down on people in positions of authority turning a blind eye to abuse. The bill goes one step further by ensuring that anyone found to have done this does not occupy positions of power, authority or influence.
I am very proud to have the backing of the former Home Secretary and the survivors in my constituency - this bill is for them. If you also believe that this bill should become law, please do register your support HERE.
