TheBadPlaceyahoo news | Al Fayed survivors frustrated at 'sceptism' about trafficking inquiry
Victims of the late Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed say the government has given them “no route for justice” and have warned of widespread scepticism surrounding any public inquiry into alleged human‑trafficking crimes. In a virtual meeting with the All‑Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Survivors of Fayed and Harrods, a survivor identified only as “Isabella” told BBC Radio 4 that many doubt the effectiveness of a public inquiry and the usefulness of a trafficking investigation when conviction rates are low. The Metropolitan Police has broadened its probe to cover all offences, including human trafficking, after three women were interviewed under caution and 154 victims reported allegations of sexual assault, rape, sexual exploitation and trafficking.
The survivors, numbering around thirty at the meeting, pressed minister Jess Phillips, responsible for safeguarding and violence against women and girls, for a more robust response, describing the case as “Britain’s own Epstein scandal.” They criticised the Metropolitan Police and the Home Office for not going far enough, while campaign groups such as Justice for Fayed and Harrods Survivors vowed to build a “drumbeat of evidence” for a full public inquiry into Al Fayed’s crimes and the network of enablers that allowed them to continue.
MPs Dave Robertson and Wendy Chamberlain, co‑chairs of the APPG, reiterated that Fayed’s survivors have been ignored for too long and insisted their concerns must be heard and acted upon. The Home Office stated that operational investigations remain the police’s domain, but pledged ministerial support to ensure agencies work together and that any systemic issues raised by survivors receive proper consideration. A further meeting with the prime minister is expected in the coming weeks.
