Sarah Champion MP reacts to today's sentencing of eight men who have been convicted of sexually abusing three girls in Rotherham between 1999 and 2003

Reacting to the news that eight men have been sentenced to a total of 96 years in prison for sexually abusing children in Rotherham, Sarah Champion MP said:

I welcome the news that these eight men have been jailed for a total of 96 years for their utterly despicable crimes. This sends the strongest signal that we will not stand for the abuse of children.

I hope today's sentences bring some closure to the survivors and that they feel justice has been done.

By coming forward, these brave women have been forced to relive the most horrific experiences and their courage has not only secured eight convictions but will hopefully encourage other survivors to speak out.

But let me be clear: the fight isn't over. We will not rest until every victim of child sexual exploitation has justice, and until these vile practices have been stamped out both in Rotherham and across the UK. We have to focus on prevention as well as prosecutions.

I would like to thank South Yorkshire Police, the CPS and Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council for all their vital work in securing these convictions.