Welsh Conservative Leader Darren Millar has backed a grooming gang victim’s petition calling for a Wales-wide inquiry into grooming gangs.

Campaigner Emily Vaughn who has spoken and written about her experiences being trafficked and exploited by gangs in Wales, has launched a Welsh Parliament petition calling on the Welsh Government to commission a Wales-wide inquiry into sexual exploitation by grooming gangs.

The Welsh Conservatives have backed the calls and are encouraging members of the public across Wales to sign the petition.

Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Darren Millar MS, said:

“There is clear and concerning evidence of the sexual exploitation of young girls by grooming gangs here in Wales but what we don’t know is the full extent of the problem.

“We owe it to Emily and other brave victims to leave no stone unturned in investigating this problem and bringing the evil perpetrators of such crimes to account, and that is why we are backing her petition for a Wales-wide inquiry.

“Politicians must put party politics aside, come together to support victims of abuse, and ensure that we do everything we can to prevent the appalling sexual exploitation suffered by Emily and others.

“We know from what has already been exposed in Swansea and elsewhere in the UK, that simply accepting the assurances of the police and local councils that grooming gangs are not operating in their areas is not good enough.

“Only a Wales-wide inquiry will be able to ensure that there is sufficient attention and focus being given to this issue, and that our children can be protected from predatory behaviour.”

The petition, submitted by Emily Vaughn, a victim of grooming gangs in Wales, reads:

Title - Welsh Government should commission a Wales-wide inquiry into sexual exploitation by grooming gangs.

Background - I was the victim of sexual exploitation by grooming gangs. I know that this practice is more prevalent that the authorities acknowledged. I believe the Welsh Government should undertake an inquiry to see how widespread the problem is and to support victims in Wales.