The Lord Chancellor has just commissioned the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman to conduct an independent, special investigation into Medomsley Detention Centre.
Since being elected, this has been an issue I have campaigned on hard on behalf of local people who contacted me. I spoke in Parliament, secured debates and set up and Chaired the All Party Parliamentary Group on the Medomsley Detention Centre, bringing together MPs and Peers cross-party to push for precisely this.
I also met with victims and their legal representatives as well as the Lord Chancellor. The criminal trials have confirmed the systematic abuse which thousands of men and boys had to endure for years without justice.
Previous work on this
>> https://www.richardholden.org.uk/.../richard-holden-asks...
>> https://www.richardholden.org.uk/.../richard-holden-hosts...
>> https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/.../18598425.north.../...
The young men and boys abused at Medomsley in the 60s, 70s & 80s had to wait too long for justice and the criminal trials of their abusers. This burning injustice is something that shocked me and I could not believe that there hadn't been more done so after you elected me as your MP I worked to help drive forward the campaign for an inquiry once the historic criminal cases were settled.
Now the criminal trials have ended, I am now glad that a full investigation into what happened will take place and we can finally uncover the truth about what happened.
The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will now carry out their special investigation and will undertake engagement throughout. If you're a victim or a family member of someone who suffered please email: ppomedomsleyinvestigation@ppo.gov.uk in confidence for more details.
Finally, we'll find out the truth of what happened to hundreds of young men and boys from across the North East and was covered up for decades.
