Responding to news that the grooming gang inquiry is carrying out targeted investigations in Wales, Reform UK’s Deputy Leader, Laura Anne Jones MS, said:

“This is a welcome step for victims and families across Wales, brought about by pressure from Reform in the Senedd. We held a debate on grooming gangs and made it clear that Welsh victims must not be ignored.

“We refused to accept Wales being treated as an afterthought. These investigations must now follow the evidence wherever it leads, expose failures and ensure that nobody escapes scrutiny because of their position.

“Protecting children must come before protecting reputations. Reform will keep demanding that victims are heard, perpetrators face justice and anyone who enabled or covered up abuse is held accountable.

“If this Inquiry is insufficient, we will push for another, until victims get the justice they deserve.”

Ms Jones also delivered a tribute in the Senedd to her old school friend and Monmouthshire resident Matthew Cox, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in 2025.

Ms Jones said: “Faced with that devastating diagnosis, Matt has chosen to turn that negative into a positive and devote his energy to helping others with MND now and in the future.”

Matthew Cox is completing marathon challenges towards his £100,000 fundraising goal for vital charities supporting people with MND. Mr Cox has competed the London, Leeds and Welsh marathons and, most recently, the Great North Run, doubling the distance he walked each time, an incredible achievement.

His fundraising is driven by a desire to “give back to the charities that supported him after his diagnosis”, including the MND Connect helpline, which Laura described as a “lifeline for him and others facing this cruel disease”.

The local Reform MS went on to say in the Senedd: “My plea to this Government, and to this whole Senedd, is to help ensure that support is there for every person and family facing this devastating disease.”