James O'Brien's instant reaction to Westminster child sex abuse report

25 February 2020, 13:50

This was James O'Brien's instant reaction to a damning independent report which found senior figures at the highest level of government spent decades turning "a blind eye" to claims of child sex abuse.

"I wonder whether now is a moment to ask whether not being believed is almost as bad as being abused in the first place. And we're not learning any lessons from this at all," James reflected.

The investigation into historical allegations against MPs, peers and civil servants found a culture of high-profile politicians being protected from police action as whips sought to avoid “scandal” that would damage the parties.

Political figures were today accused of a major failure in their response to allegations of child sexual abuse.

The report accused the UK’s political institutions of "regularly” putting “their own reputations or political interests before child protection".

The Prime Minister told LBC's Nick Ferrari last year that spending police budgets on historical child abuse is "spaffing money up the wall."

James was disgusted at Boris Johnson's reference of child abuse investigations as "malarkey" and said, "No wonder he spent half his life hiding in a fridge."

James highlighted once again that this was a tragic tale about society's silence in the face of abuse.

Child and young people helpline: 0800 1111

Should the UK take a Canadian approach to dealing with Trump?

LBC callers: Should the UK take a Canadian approach to dealing with Trump?

20,000 Brits die each year because of ultra-processed food

LBC callers give their reaction to findings that 20,000 Brits die each year because of ultra-processed food

LBC caller in Lviv explains how Ukrainians feel betrayed by America

LBC caller in Lviv explains how Ukrainians feel 'betrayed' by America

LBC caller impresses James O'Brien with her take on the state of the West

LBC caller impresses James O'Brien with her take on the state of the West

James O'Brien

Caller John: 'The best way to understand Trump tariffs is Red Dwarf'

James O'Brien

James O'Brien challenges caller to provide evidence of Israeli accountability

James O'Brien

LBC callers share landlord horror stories

Man whose parents were murdered by Hamas on October 7 says: We are on precipice of global war— Peace is possible.

Man whose parents were murdered by Hamas on October 7 says: We are on precipice of global war— Peace is possible

Full Disclosure live on stage with James O'Brien and Carol Vorderman: Buy your tickets here

Full Disclosure live on stage with James O'Brien and Carol Vorderman: Buy your tickets here

Exclusive
The Conservative Party Conference this year is more notable for who's not there than who is, both journalistically and possibly politically, says James O'Brien

After 14 years in power, Tories can't dodge responsibility for their mess, says James O'Brien

An LBC caller shared the shocking moment she discovered child sex abuse images on her ex-husband's computer

LBC caller shares harrowing moment she discovered child sex abuse images on ex-husband’s computer

Exclusive
'Messing with kids minds in a big way': Tony Blair calls for social media regulation as he admits 'we can't go on like this'

'Messing with kids' minds': Tony Blair calls for greater social media regulation, admitting: 'we can't go on like this'

Londoners to question the Mayor at annual State of London Debate with LBC

Londoners to question the Mayor at annual State of London Debate with LBC

Sacked borders watchdog David Neal said the Home Office is 'dysfunctional' and needs reform.

'It goes to the very top': Sacked border watchdog slams Home Office and calls for reform after Cleverly row

Exclusive
Shahd Waleed is trying to leave Rafah with her parents and enter Egypt

'They want us to experience pain': Young woman trapped in Rafah with her parents tells of terror as Israel invasion looms

Sir Keir Starmer has defended comments he made about Margaret Thatcher earlier this month.

Starmer defends Thatcher comments as he says he ‘completely disagrees’ with former prime minister’s politics