“The girls at the heart of this scandal have been failed by every professional in their lives. They, and the institutions that were intended to protect them, ignored their voices and sidelined their experiences. They must be held accountable for turning a blind eye to a sustained campaign of violence against young girls by predatory men.

“This is a source of national shame – I’ve been clear nothing can be off the table in pursuing justice for the victims. These were not adults making choices but abused children who needed empathy and help. Instead, they were ostracised.

“This inquiry must be a wake-up call for how we respond to vulnerable children, especially violence against girls. We cannot be more afraid of causing offence than we are of speaking out to protect children from exploitation and corruption.”