18/12/2025
Former Children’s Commissioner Baroness Anne Longfield, is facing allegations of a deliberate failure to act, in order to protect children from harm. The failures which occurred during her time as Children’s Commissioner, could see her facing a criminal complaint, in relation to allegations of misconduct in public office. The complaint stems from an ongoing failure of more than 650 MPs, as well as others including Anne Longfield, to act in relation to failings in the government safeguarding systems. Ultimately, evidence shows that the failures have led to the harm, suicides and deaths of a number of children, related to bullying, physical and sexual violence including rape in UK schools.
In 2021, the alleged failures had led to an application for a private criminal prosecution involving the Education Secretary, which in turn led to a call for a public inquiry. The following video outlines the failures largely of MPs to act, that ultimately led to the call. Significantly though, apart from this video, numerous emails both to and from the Office of the Children’s Commissioner, demonstrate that she too would need to be held accountable as part of any inquiry, in light of significant evidence of her own failures to act in relation to the issues.
Aside from her involvement in the aforementioned matter, the Government has just announced Anne Longfield as the Chair of the recently commissioned National Inquiry into Grooming Gangs. This is an inquiry which aims to ensure amongst other things, that those who may have failed to act on concerns of sexual abuse of vulnerable children in a number of settings, are held to account.
Given that Anne Longfield is alleged to have failed to act on concerns of sexual abuse of vulnerable children in schools, in the exact same way as many of those she will be expected to hold to account through the inquiry, it would seem inconceivable that she should remain as Chair. For the Government to allow her to do so, while subject to an ongoing call for a public inquiry into her own alleged failures in relation to bullying, physical and sexual violence in UK schools, risks damaging any trust and confidence that survivors, victims and the Public may have in the present process and the Government and politicians endorsing it.
Concerns had already been expressed about the suitability of Anne Longfield as Chair by a number of Grooming Gang Survivors. These advocates on behalf of thousands of other survivors and victims had requested with very good reason, that a judge should be selected as Inquiry Chair. As a campaign group, we fully endorse that view and agree along with much of the Public, that they were absolutely right to do so.
The concerns were met with a number of endorsements regarding Anne Longfield’s independence and suitability to be Chair, from a number of politicians including Jess Phillips. The evidence now available, demonstrates that Anne Longfield cannot be considered in any way, shape or form, to be an appropriate person to hold such a position. The evidence regarding these allegations now needs to be fully considered by Government and specifically the Home Office, who chose to appoint her in the first instance, in the face of clear demands for a judge to be appointed as Chair. In the end, it may well be that an overseas judge, with no links to those in power is preferable.
We would welcome any public challenge, whether legal or otherwise from government or indeed any of the parties involved, who dispute the claims. Failing any legitimate challenge going forwards, we would suggest that Anne Longfield relinquish the position of her own volition or failing that, be removed by government and the call for a judge to be appointed in her place, accommodated.
NB : A copy of the email below has been sent directly to Anne Longfield giving her a right of reply. Ministers in the Home Office have also been contacted.