Three Kirklees and Calderdale MPs have joined a growing campaign for an inquiry into historical cases of child sex abuse.

An online campaign by investigation website Exaro is urging MPs to back its call.

The campaign claims police failings have let down victims of abuse over many years and wants an independent review, similar to the Hillsborough inquiry.

Set up by Conservative backbencher Zac Goldsmith, the campaign has all-party support and issues were raised with David Cameron at Prime Minister’s Questions last week.

Initially there were seven MPs involved. That number has now increased to 43 and includes Huddersfield Labour MP Barry Sheerman, Colne Valley Tory Jason McCartney and Calder Valley Conservative Craig Whittaker.

The campaign claims police failings were exposed by the scandal surrounding Jimmy Savile but says allegations, dating back to the 1960s, involved schools, churches and care homes.

Mr Goldsmith said: “We now know of many cases of child abuse that went uninvestigated for far too long, not least relating to Jimmy Savile.

“But we also know that countless questions remain unanswered, and they must be – in full.

“The Government should establish – and properly resource – an independent inquiry so that a line can be drawn, once and for all.”

Mr McCartney said he was supporting the campaign to “bring some closure” for the victims.

He added: “They deserve to be confident that their stories have been heard and all those involved in the acts themselves or in any attempted cover-up have been brought to justice.

“We have all been shocked by the number of high-profile incidents that have become public in the last few years and rather than individual, limited inquiries we need a full, far-reaching inquiry that will shine a light on these crimes, giving everyone confidence that our legal system can provide justice for the victims.”

Mr Sheerman also gave his backing but didn’t want to see a witch hunt.

He tweeted: “Yes, as long as it doesn’t involve police trawling or destruction of people’s lives.”

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