Sarah Champion MP responds to the appointment of Professor Alexis Jay

Sarah Champion MP, Labour's Shadow Minister for Preventing Abuse and Domestic Violence, responding to the appointment of Professor Alexis Jay as chair of IICSA, said:

I welcome the appointment of Professor Alexis Jay who is well-qualified to take the lead of this crucial inquiry.

Having worked with Alexis Jay over the investigation into Child Sexual Exploitation in Rotherham, I regard her as an honest and fearless woman who fights for justice and puts victims and survivors first.

We now need to see results from the inquiry. Survivors have had the courage to come forwards and share their stories, often for the first time, these now need to be acted on. Alexis Jay needs to swiftly bring about investigations and changes in practice so that more is done to prevent these horrific crimes.

This inquiry has already faced a number of obstacles but we should never lose sight of those who are relying on it: abuse survivors and their families, current victims and those at risk of child abuse today.