Chuka Umunna Brands Lawyer's Child Sex Abuse Inquiry Suspension "a Blow for Justice"

By Kate Proctor
Evening Standard
September 29, 2016

http://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/chuka-umunna-brands-lawyers-child-sex-abuse-inquiry-suspension-a-blow-for-justice-a3357021.html

Chuka Umunna: "A blow for justice" Anthony Devlin/PA Wire

The suspension of the leading lawyer handling the national inquiry into child sex abuse has been described as a “blow for justice” by a London MP.

Ben Emmerson QC was suspended from his post as the probe had “become very concerned” about aspects of his leadership, a spokeswoman for the inquiry said. Mr Emmerson, 53, said he learned of the move via the internet and no allegations had been put to him.

The inquiry will cover the abuse of children in care in Lambeth, and Streatham MP Chuka Umunna, who has constituents who are Lambeth abuse survivors, said: , said: “As an MP to the principal survivors’ group I’m extremely concerned about Mr Emmerson’s suspension.

"Yet another blow to the search for justice.”

It is the latest setback for the ?100 million inquiry, which is on to its fourth chairwoman in two years.

The inquiry was criticised for being too large in scope by former chairwoman Lowell Goddard, who quit last month, and Mr Emmerson is said to have been concerned about its direction.

The Home Office said the inquiry’s terms of reference, which are set by the Home Secretary in consultation with the inquiry chairwoman — now Professor Alexis Jay — would not be changed.