Yesterday, the High Court granted permission for a full judicial review into whether the government failed to act on the recommendations of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA).
Since the publication of the Final Report of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) in October 2022, Act on IICSA has consistently called on government and ministers to implement all 20 recommendations in full. We have engaged constructively with government throughout this period, including when, in January 2025, then Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced she would take all 20 recommendations forward. We have written on three separate occasions to request a full implementation timetable, yet none has been published.
Why this Judicial Review Matters
This is an important moment of recognition for all survivors of sexual abuse, especially the 7,500 survivors who took part in the seven year inquiry. Their experiences and voices shaped the final recommendations intended to protect children and prevent further harm so that the shocking figure of 500,000 children who are sexually abused every year in the UK can begin to be addressed.
A full judicial review hearing means that the court has agreed there is an arguable case that the government may have acted unlawfully or unreasonably, signaling concerns about the absence of a clear timetable for implementing the inquiry’s recommendations The judge will now examine the evidence, hear arguments from both sides, and decide whether the government failed in its duty to take forward the inquiry’s recommendations. While it does not pre-judge the outcome, it is a significant step: the issues will now receive thorough, independent legal examination.
Act on IICSA has consistently advocated for transparent, timely action on the inquiry’s recommendations, and we remain committed to working constructively with government to make this happen.
We note that the Traffic Light Process Tracker that was developed and published by The Survivors Trust, as well as statements from Act on IICSA were read in court as part of the evidence base.
Act on IICSA has been clear from the outset: the IICSA recommendations must be implemented in full, and survivors deserve to see tangible progress. We stand ready to work with government, agencies, and partners to ensure that the inquiry’s legacy leads to real protection for children and meaningful change for the future.
We hope this judicial review process will provide the clarity and momentum needed to move implementation forward. And we recognise the considerable work undertaken by Maggie Oliver Foundation to bring this judicial review to the court. As well as gratitude to our Act on IICSA colleagues and the more than 500 supporters who continue to push for meaningful, survivor‑centred change.
