Former prime minister Margaret Thatcher turned a ‘blind eye’ to politicians sexually abusing children, according to Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk.
Danczuk exposed former Rochdale MP Sir Cyril Smith as a prolific child abuser following his death in 2010, even though Cabinet Office papers revealed that Thatcher was already aware of allegations against him before he was knighted in 1988.
Danczuk revealed his concern that information of this manner was concealed and was worried that it could be a continuing trend.
“There is no doubt about it now, from what we know, that she turned a blind eye to people who were quite clearly paedophiles – that is absolutely clear,” he told Sky News.
“It is a real stain on Margaret Thatcher’s legacy and I don’t get any pleasure from saying that, but she turned a blind eye to it.”
The Labour MP claimed that the Government are refusing to publish at least four other files on historic child abuse due to the effect it could have on May’s General Election.
He added: “[The Cabinet Office] have resisted publishing these documents for over 12 months – that’s not acceptable.
“They refused to tell the public who nominated Cyril Smith for a knighthood. A journalist managed to get that out of them after going to the Information Commissioner. It was indeed David Steel.
“And we now know they are resisting publishing at least four other files relating to historic child sexual abuse.
“We have to ask the question: Is the Cabinet Office fit for purpose?”
Danczuk believed that Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg could possibly be colluding in a “cover-up” of child abuse within Government.
“Cameron has spoken on this issue and said we’ll leave no stone unturned. But his lack of action says otherwise,” he said.
“Nick Clegg has failed continually to really put any action in place. He’s the Deputy Prime Minister. David Cameron is the Prime Minister.
“They are at the top of government. The buck stops with them. Why aren’t they calling for all these documents to be published? Why aren’t they insisting on more action?
Danczuk was also concerned about the Government protecting previous politicians who could have offended.
“[The Government] are more concerned about protecting legacies – the legacies of previous politicians,” he said.
“That’s just not acceptable. We need less polishing of halos and more lifting of stones.”
Image courtesy of BBC via YouTube, with thanks.
