Writing for the Daily Record, Joani Reid, the Labour MP for East Kilbride and Strathaven, paid tribute to the women who forced a u-turn by the SNP Government.
Joani Reid(Image: WSH])
This marks a real turning point for the survivors of child sex abuse and exploitation in Scotland.
For almost a year they were told that reviews were enough. That existing processes would look at the issue. That there was no need for a full public inquiry. They knew that was not good enough.
They asked for a inquiry with full legal powers. And they kept asking. They refused to give up.
Now they have it. This is their victory.
It should never have required this level of pressure. Women who had already endured appalling abuse found themselves fighting a second battle – this time simply to be heard and believed. Some were dismissed. Some were criticised. On social media SNP hangers on called them racist and attention seekers. All they were asking for was transparency and accountability.
For almost a year, the SNP defended its position and resisted calls for a full investigation. Survivors and campaigners kept pushing. Public confidence was strained. Eventually the Government shifted. The First Minister has now agreed to a full public inquiry with teeth. People will make up their own minds about why on earth it took so much effort to get here.
An inquiry under the Inquiries Act carries real force. It can compel witnesses to give evidence. It can demand documents. It can scrutinise the actions of Police Scotland, local authorities and government in public. That matters.
Because this is not only about the crimes themselves. It is about whether warning signs were missed, whether vulnerable girls were believed or dismissed and whether those who should protect women and girls acted when concerns were raised.
Survivors are not looking for revenge. They want the truth established. They want accountability where it is due. They want to know that no other girl in Scotland will be failed in the same way.
That is the minimum they are owed.
There is also a responsibility now on ministers to ensure this process is thorough and independent. The inquiry must proceed at pace. It must not be narrowed or diluted. It must follow the evidence wherever it leads, without fear or favour.
The courage of these women has brought Scotland to this point. They spoke up when it would have been easier to stay silent. They stood firm when they were doubted.
