MPs speak out on alleged abuse in Hackney churches

Hackney’s Labour MPs today called for action on child abuse. They also praised the important contribution of Hackney’s African residents to Britain.

Diane Abbott, MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, and Meg Hillier, MP for Hackney South and Shoreditch welcomed the report by the Metropolitan Police which worked with communities in Hackney and Newham to identify how children can be at risk of abuse.

Meg Hillier, Labour MP for Hackney South and Shoreditch said:

“The contribution that Africans in London are making to our country is enormous. It is important that we do not pillory all African churchgoers in the process of tackling any abuse.

“There are enormous challenges in Hackney where there is a high turnover of population. There are also clear guidelines to detect and tackle child abuse. We need to work to make sure these are recognised by all who have a position of authority.”

Diane Abbott has already met Commission for Racial Equality Chair Trevor Phillips about the issue, urging him to encourage small churches to sign up to a voluntary code of conduct.

Diane said: “We need to look at ways in which we can support these small churches. I do not believe that children are being brought to Hackney for child sacrifice but we need to make sure that any abuse is prevented.”

Diane and Meg welcomed the efforts of the police to develop closer links with African churches.

For more information contact: Office of Meg Hillier MP, 020 7219 5325, 07973 126684, stachowskam@parliament.uk or Office of Diane Abbott MP 020 7219 4426, glennc@parliament.uk