Head of UK Child Sex Abuse Inquiry Quits

SBS
November 1, 2014

http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2014/11/01/head-uk-child-sex-abuse-inquiry-quits

The second person appointed to lead a wide-ranging British inquiry into historic allegations of child sex abuse, including by politicians, has stepped down following criticism over her links to the establishment.

Lawyer Fiona Woolf was named to lead the government-commissioned inquiry after her predecessor, retired judge Elizabeth Butler-Sloss, quit in July over similar concerns.

Woolf's decision on Friday came after groups representing child abuse victims issued a united call for her to be replaced.

Acknowledging their opposition, she told the BBC: "I was determined that the inquiry got to the bottom of the issues.

"And if I don't command their confidence to run the panel fairly and impartially, then I need to get out of the way."

The departure of a second person from the inquiry will further delay proceedings and is a major embarrassment for the government.

Prime Minister David Cameron announced the inquiry following a string of scandals involving the abuse of children at hospitals and care homes, including by late television star Jimmy Savile, as well as churches and schools.

The immediate trigger for the probe was the resurgence of allegations about a pedophile ring involving senior politicians during the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.

The concerns about Woolf revolved around her social ties with Lord Leon Brittan, who was home secretary when an alleged file containing claims about the political abuse was submitted to his Home Office interior ministry in the 1980s.

He denies any wrongdoing relating to the file, which seems to have resulted in no action and cannot be traced, but is likely to be called to give evidence in the inquiry.

Home Secretary Theresa May said she had accepted Woolf's resignation "with regret" but said the work of the inquiry panel would continue.

"I believe she would have carried out her duties with integrity, impartiality and to the highest standard," May said.

Woolf's predecessor, Butler-Sloss, quit less than a week after her appointment this summer after questions about how her brother handled allegations of abuse by politicians when he was attorney general in the 1980s.

Alison Millar, a lawyer at Leigh Day solicitors who represents some victims of child abuse, welcomed Woolf's departure.

"Now the work begins for a proper inquiry which listens to the survivors and supports them in giving their evidence to an experienced panel," she said.