A GWENT MP has hit out at “misleading” claims over a vote in the House of Commons on a national inquiry into so called “grooming gangs”.

MPs this week rejected a call from the Conservatives to hold a national inquiry into “historical child sexual exploitation, focused on grooming gangs”.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch had attempted to amend the Labour government’s draft child protection legislation but had that been successful it would have prevented the legislation from making progress.

Labour MP for Monmouth Catherine Fookes said the vote had been a “political stunt” and highlighted the legislation, which applies to England only, includes “vital measures” to protect children.

Ms Fookes said: “The amendment was a political stunt by the Conservative Party. It was trickery on the British public who are rightly concerned about this issue. The amendment would not have created an inquiry into child sexual exploitation. Instead, it would have killed a bill designed to help children and families.

“They wanted to force Labour MPs, including myself, into a vote........

© South Wales Argus