James: We Owe It To Abuse Survivors To Get Inquiry Sorted

29 September 2016, 11:23 | Updated: 29 September 2016, 12:14

James O'Brien has taken dozens of heartbreaking calls from abuse survivors and that's why the crisis engulfing the Child Sex Abuse Inquiry has affected him so much. This is his take on why we have to get it right - for those survivors.

Victims' groups have reacted with anger and disappointment to the news that lead lawyer Ben Emerson has been suspended from the Inquiry, the latest blow to it. The third chair of the Inquiry stepped down this summer, citing a "legacy of failure" of the investigation, which was set up by Theresa May during her time as Home Secretary.

James explained why the latest scandal to hit the Inquiry was so heartbreaking for the survivors of abuse: "Because of all the men and women who queued up to tell me that they believed that the corridors of power in this country have historically contained some disgusting individuals, who have done disgusting things to entirely innocent and blameless children.

"Because those corridors were so well populated and those echelons of society were so high, these men, these women, these broken children just couldn't believe they'll ever get justice.

"Today, with a heart that I think you can tell from my voice is so heavy, I'm wondering whether they were right.

"Whether this is going to fall apart, like a cheap suit."

James then focused on why trust was the key issue here - as victims' groups report they fear trust in the inquiry is being lost.

"If, as a child, you have that most important of bonds broken so completely, you lose the ability to trust on a scale that the rest of us can never truly understand...to know that you can't trust, especially if a parent was involved, or a priest, or a figure of authority...you never get fixed, until you get believed."

'It breaks my heart that people support this attack'

Gezelle calls American and Israeli ‘help’ in Iran ‘an illusion’

Caller Vanessa shares her story of abuse at the hands of her neighbour

Caller Vanessa shares her story of abuse at the hands of her neighbour

'No one protected me:' Grooming gangs survivor responds to inquiry announcement

'No one protected me:' Grooming gangs survivor responds to inquiry announcement

Caller Sina

James O’Brien is unconvinced by caller Sina’s justification for Israel’s strikes on Iran

Caller Harry

Pilot Harry gives his reaction to Gatwick-bound plane crash

LBC caller tells James O’Brien how she ended up homeless as a result of the 'disastrous' mini-budget in 2022.

Liz Truss' 'disastrous' mini budget left this LBC caller homeless

LBC callers react

How successful was Greta Thunberg’s aid mission?: LBC callers react

Caller Hanisa

Hanisa explains to James O’Brien that it’s her choice alone to wear the Burqa

Caller Lisa from California responds to Donald Trump summoning the National Guard to LA over the protests.

Californian caller responds to Trump sending the National Guard to LA

James O'Brien Batman Caller

Caller Luke’s nickname for Robert Jenrick amuses James O’Brien

Furious 80-year-old caller takes over the James O'Brien show

Furious 80-year-old caller takes over the James O'Brien show

Mental health nurse calls James O’Brien to discuss drug decriminalisation

Mental health nurse calls James O’Brien to discuss drug decriminalisation

Caller James admits to dangerous e-scooter driving whilst backing better safety regulations

Caller James admits to dangerous e-scooter driving whilst backing better safety regulations

James O'Brien caller on water

Caller explains how ‘corporate finance’ has been ‘catastrophic’ for water companies

LBC caller John believes police were 'right' to release Liverpool suspect's ethnicity

LBC caller John believes police were 'right' to release Liverpool suspect's ethnicity

'Mate, I love you'

James' conversation with Barry, who had a chemical castration, takes an unexpectedly wholesome turn