Tory MP Enoch Powell Named In Sex Abuse Scandal

The late Conservative MP Enoch Powell has been named in a review of historic sex abuse carried out by Scotland Yard.

A review by the Church of England saw the Bishop of Durham Paul Butler hand the name to the police after claims involving the abuse of children and satanic rituals involving the former Wolverhampton MP.

"Establishment Paedophile Rings."

The Church of England confirmed that the names of both Enoch Powell and Leo Abse, a Welsh MP, had been given to police who are investigating a potential Westminster sex ring. Earlier this month, numerous newspapers and broadcasting companies reported that there was a child sex ring in Westminster which the then Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, knew of.

The names of the two MPs were given to the Bishop from a former Bishop, Dominic Walker, who was working as a counsellor at the time. Three victims also came forward to name the MPs according to Walker when he was counselling. According to numerous news sources, Mr Walker named a further two MPs/former-MPs who had not been suspected by the police investigating the Westminster ring.

Police are currently investigating the allegations as part of Operation Fenbridge, with the Westminster claims being one of a number of police probes into 'Establishment paedophile rings'.

A Church of England spokesman said: "The name of Enoch Powell was passed to Operation Fenbridge by one of our safeguarding team on the instruction of Bishop Paul Butler."

Both MPs died with Powell dying in 1998 and Abse passing in 2008.

Denial

Simon Heffer, Powell's official biographer, stated to the media the allegations against the former MP were "absolute nonsense".

He said: "The Church has publicly accused Enoch of being involved in ritual satanic abuse on hearsay, without the slightest evidence.

"They might as well accuse him of having been a war criminal or an armed robber, for there would be as much truth in either allegation."

Despite the Church of England making a statement stating that Powell was suspected, Scotland Yard refused to comment on if the MP was being investigated. A statement from a Scotland Yard spokesman said: "We do not identify individuals that are subject to an investigation."

Historical Sexual Abuse

Claims of historical sexual abuse have risen sharply in recent times with many cases and allegations hitting headlines of national papers. An inquiry in Scotland and an additional one across the UK has been launched following the revelations regarding numerous high profile incidents such as those involving Jimmy Saville, Rolf Harris, Ian Watkins, Edward Heath, and other allegations in children's care homes and throughout the Roman Catholic Church.

At Beltrami, we understand the difficulties that can arise if you have been a victim of sexual abuse and look to handle your case with the sensitivity and confidentiality it deserves. We know that coming forward can be difficult, and we ensure that we will protect you as much as we can while getting the compensation you so rightfully deserve.

Is There a Time Limit on Prosecuting Historic Sexual Offences in Scotland?

This case involves English institutions, the Church of England and the Metropolitan Police, but it raises a question we're often asked closer to home: is there a time limit on prosecuting historic sexual offence allegations in Scotland? There isn't. Scots law places no statute of limitations on solemn sexual offences, so an allegation from decades ago can still lead to prosecution today, however much time has passed. That works both ways. Genuine victims are never too late to come forward, but it also means anyone facing a historic allegation, no matter how old, needs specialist advice early, ideally before speaking to police at all. If you're facing an allegation of a sexual offence in Scotland, our crimes of a sexual nature team can advise you from the first police contact, and if you believe the allegation against you is false, our false allegation defence service deals with exactly this situation. Contact us today for a confidential conversation.

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If you have been the victim of sexual abuse, contact us today using our online contact form. Our team of dedicated solicitors operate and the highest standard and will ensure that your claim is treated as a matter of priority.