Greater Manchester Police recently issued a statement in response to a 'damning' report on grooming gangs, acknowledging that there is still work to be done. The force expressed its support for the national review conducted by Baroness Louise Casey and the decision to launch a new inquiry, pledging to approach it with transparency and openness. This comes after the Home Secretary highlighted the 'disturbing' findings of the report to MPs.

Yvette Cooper emphasized that there will be no escape from justice once a national inquiry into grooming gangs is established. The government has accepted all 12 recommendations in the report, which include legal changes to help prosecute offenders.

The report by Baroness Casey pointed out various failings by authorities in Greater Manchester following Operation Span. It revealed that GMP and Rochdale council neglected to prioritize the protection of children who were being sexually exploited by numerous men in the area.

Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker, the lead for Vulnerability and Public Protection at Greater Manchester Police, welcomed Baroness Casey's report and recommendations. The force is committed to implementing the necessary changes to ensure complete accountability and address the issues identified in the report.

Despite the progress made, Greater Manchester Police acknowledges that there is still more work to be done. The force remains dedicated to improving its services for survivors of exploitation and bringing offenders to justice through a victim-centered approach.

Greater Manchester Police is actively working with other agencies to pursue justice for survivors of exploitation. Recent convictions in Operation Lytton demonstrate the force's commitment to holding offenders accountable and providing support to survivors.

The force is also focused on addressing exploitation across all communities and age groups, regardless of ethnicity or background. It is determined to tackle the exploitation of children and ensure that survivors receive the justice and support they deserve.

Greater Manchester Police is prepared to support the national police investigation led by the NCA to pursue cases that were previously unresolved. The force's ultimate goal is to seek justice for survivors and bring perpetrators of these heinous crimes to account.