At a recent meeting of Bradford Council the Conservative Group presented a motion calling on the council to take a 'full part in any national inquiry' into grooming and rape gangs.
Presenting the Conservative Group's motion, Conservative Leader Rebecca Poulsen said: “Sadly for decades the abuse and rape of children, many of whom were in the care of the local authority has gone on, with many who should have been protective turning their backs or being unwilling to prevent the abuse to them.
“Social workers, police, children’s home staff, many people who should have believed victims let them down. Many children were blamed and called child prostitutes. It is truly appalling.
"Some stepped up when they saw what was happening like Ann Cryer, the MP for Keighley and Ilkley, but she was vilified and called a racist by the Labour party for raising this.”
After previously calling on local Labour leaders, including the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, and Council Leader, Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, to support an inquiry into grooming and rape gangs Cllr Rebecca welcomed their latest u-turn.
“About time. We welcome your U turn, but you have broken your trust with the victims I have spoken to. I welcome the U turns, but what message does it send to the victims?”
The Conservative Group's proposals also included calls to "Urge Government to conduct such an inquiry speedily to make sure victims and survivors can give their testimonies now and not wait more years to do so and that the voices of victims across Bradford are central to the inquiry."
As well as "To lobby for Bradford District to be central in the National Inquiry to ensure we address historic and current CSE, the support for victims and that all perpetrators and those who allowed this abuse to happen are held to account."
