A mother has issued a stark warning to Scotland's First Minister, pledging to become a persistent 'thorn in his side' unless he orders a full, independent public inquiry into the nation's grooming gangs scandal. Her demand follows a private meeting at Bute House where she and her daughter, a survivor of horrific abuse, confronted John Swinney with their experiences.
A Mother's Unwavering Fight for Justice
The woman, whose daughter uses the pseudonym 'Taylor' to protect her anonymity, stated her sole focus was to make the First Minister comprehend the scale of abuse suffered by children across Scotland. She declared she would not relent for the remainder of his time in office if he fails to act. "I told him, and I am saying it again now – that I will be the thorn in John Swinney’s side for the remainder of his time in office if he does not do the right thing and hold an independent inquiry," she said.
She posed a direct challenge to the Scottish Government, asking why it would not use all its power to prevent children from being gang-raped, drugged, tortured, trafficked, and driven to suicide. As a parent himself, she argued, Swinney must understand the urgency. Her fight, she emphasised, will continue until grooming gangs are eradicated and public officials fulfil their duty to protect the vulnerable.
Calls for Justice Secretary to Resign Over 'Incompetence'
The mother's fury extends directly to Justice Secretary Angela Constance, whom she accuses of being "incompetent" and of having "lied to parliament." She claims this created a false perception that grooming gangs are not a significant issue in Scotland. Despite attempts by respected child exploitation expert Professor Alexis Jay to correct the record, Constance has refused to admit error, the mother alleges.
"She might be a nice woman and a good friend but she is incompetent and has lied to parliament," the mother stated. "She is now refusing to admit her wrongs. She has to go." She believes Swinney could begin to earn her respect by dismissing his Justice Secretary for misleading Holyrood.
Systemic Failures and a Daughter's Stolen Safety
The family's personal tragedy underscores the systemic failures. Taylor, now 29 and a mother herself, was groomed and gang-raped for years by a group of Pakistani men while in a residential care unit near Glasgow. The devastating revelation came earlier this year when her care records were reviewed. They indicated that police and care home staff were apparently aware of her association with the men but took no action to stop it.
Taylor had entered care after a period of bullying and challenging behaviour, a decision her mother describes with "inexplicable" guilt. The mother, who was also in care as a child, never imagined her daughter would suffer the same fate. She questions why Swinney would demand answers if it were his child, yet appears content to 'sit on his hands' in her daughter's case.
The mother expressed deep scepticism about the government's proposed independent review, noting it is to be conducted by the same bodies that failed to identify or act on the evidence of grooming gangs in the past. "Why would this be different now?" she asked. "They will have the same records at their disposal and if they are so capable, why did they miss it over the years?"
She concluded by stating her disgust with the government's intentions, a sentiment hardened after emails from Professor Jay seeking clarification on her misrepresented comments were released only 24 hours after their Bute House meeting. With other brave survivors like Fiona Goddard and 'Sarah' now speaking out, she believes the government can no longer pretend the issue does not exist.
