The Home Affairs Committee’s report, entitled Appointment of the Chair of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse and released today (Friday), states ‘the scope of the inquiry be extended to include cases of abuse in Scotland and Northern Ireland,’ particularly where there may be relevant material held by the UK Government.
The report specifically mentions Kincora Boys’ Home as such a case, a move East Belfast MP Mrs Long said was a positive step forward. Mrs Long had previously written to the Committee to press the case for the inclusion of Kincora.
“This recommendation follows on from the new chair Justice Goddard’s statement to the Committee earlier this week that she would raise the addition of Kincora with the Home Secretary if she felt it necessary.
“Clearly momentum is building and more supporters are backing Kincora to be investigated as part of the wider Home Office probe. That groundswell can only be a good thing for the victims and survivors, who have seen their hopes dashed time and again so far.
“I hope both the Home Secretary and Justice Goddard take onboard the Committee’s recommendation and begin the investigation as soon as possible, to ensure justice is delivered.”
ENDS