Written Question · S6W-43396 · Session 6
In light of testimony from survivors of grooming gangs, frontline service organisations and justice agencies that child sexual exploitation…
The question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of testimony from survivors of grooming gangs, frontline service organisations and justice agencies that child sexual exploitation (CSE) and grooming are core pathways through which vulnerable children are drawn into the commercial sexual exploitation of prostitution, both in childhood and later in adulthood, whether it consulted Professor Alexis Jay, its expert adviser on CSE, including grooming, in relation to the Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill, ahead of the stage 1 vote on 3 February 2026.
The answer
It would be a matter for the sponsoring MSP to determine who she would wish to consult with on her Bill.Professor Alexis Jay has been appointed independent Chair of the National Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (CSAE) Strategic Group and will provide expert advice to Scottish Ministers on CSAE, and on the findings of the National Review of local responses to group-based CSAE announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills in December 2025. Professor Jay chaired her first meeting of the Group on 28 January 2026.A key focus of the Group’s current activity is to recommend improvements to workforce education and training to ensure professionals are better equipped to identify and respond when children are at risk of experiencing abuse.This includes consideration and collaboration with other key workstreams and initiatives, including our Strategic Approach to challenge demand for prostitution.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S6W-43396 by reference.