09/07/2014

PM Backs Child Abuse Probe Chairman Lady Butler-Sloss

The Prime Minister has backed the appointment of Lady Elizabeth Butler-Sloss as chairman of an independent investigation into historical child abuse, in the face of questions about her suitability for the role.

The retired judge was announced as chair yesterday by the Home Secretary Theresa May.

Lady Butler-Sloss is tasked with investigating how allegations of abuse by politicians and other powerful figures in public institutions such as the NHS, the church and the BBC in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s were handled.

However, her suitability to lead the probe has been questioned as her brother, Sir Michael Havers, was Attorney General at the time the Home Office has been accused of covering up an alleged paedophile scandal in the 1980s.

Following the question David Cameron has given his backing to the appointment of Lady Butler-Sloss, saying that she is "the right person for the job."

(MH/CD)

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