EDM 1484: Mandatory data collection of child sexual offenders

That this House notes with deep concern the continued failures in data collection related to child sexual abuse, particularly in cases involving group-based exploitation; recognises that accurate and consistent demographic data is essential for identifying patterns, developing prevention strategies and restoring public confidence; expresses concern that a significant number of local authorities and police forces do not currently record or report the nationality, religion, ethnicity, or immigration status of perpetrators; further notes that a recent audit conducted by the independent Rape Gang Inquiry found that only 9 out of 379 councils were able to provide such data; believes that this lack of transparency hinders justice and accountability; and therefore calls on His Majesty’s Government to introduce mandatory, standardised national data collection for all agencies involved in safeguarding, requiring the recording of the nationality, religion, ethnicity and immigration status of all those convicted of, or under investigation for, offences relating to the sexual exploitation and abuse of children.