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Cameron warns child abuse scandal could become a "witch-hunt" against gay people

How the PM responded to being shown a list of three Tories accused of involvement.

By George Eaton Published 08 November 2012 12:48

David Cameron. Photograph: Getty Images.

David Cameron made his remarks during an appearance on ITV show This Morning. Photograph: Getty Images.

David Cameron was visibly unsettled when Phillip Schofield handed him a list of three Conservatives accused of involvement in the child abuse scandal during his appearance on This Morning, and he may come to regret his response. "There is a danger that this could turn into a sort of witch-hunt, particularly against people who are gay," Cameron said.

By suggesting that some on the list "are gay", the Prime Minister has inadvertently encouraged further speculation over their identity. But it is with Schofield, who showed gross irresponsibility by asking Cameron to comment on a list based on internet rumour, that the blame must rest. After warning against a "witch-hunt", Cameron added: "I'm worried about the sort of thing you're doing right now, giving me a list of names that you've taken off the internet".

Earlier this week, Labour MP Susan Elan Jones asked the government to assure her that any member of the House of Lords found guilty of child abuse would be "stripped of their peerage" in what many saw as a deliberate attempt to hint at the identity of one of the alleged abusers. Theresa May has warned MPs that using parliamentary privilege to name those accused of involvement could jeopardise any future trial.

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Tags: David Cameron Conservatives

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9 comments

Thu, 2012-11-08 19:19 — Caroline Crampton

Comments on this article are now closed.

Thu, 2012-11-08 18:36 — Michael dixon (not verified)

If most of these comments are an example of the "progessive" left of politics, then that section is well and truly dead in a sea of reactionary vitriol.

Cameron was making a fair point later expanded with the presenter beginning the procedure of a witch-hunt that is just starting to get into gear. Schofield and his editor should be the ones who are in the dock for a misjudged piece of opportunism. Let us hope Schofield held the paper away from the camera or else his lawyer will soon be busy

Is it a cause for celebration that names are being named on websites etc? And what happens if these people are innocent, a case of mistaken identity for example?

Despite what is written here, Cameron has not ducked issues such as Hillsborough and Bloody Sunday, that much should be clear. The same procedure will occur here, but in the meantime everyone has to show a degree of responsibilty sadly lacking on the TV this morning.

Thu, 2012-11-08 17:12 — Tinky (not verified)

Laudable choice by the picture editor!

Thu, 2012-11-08 15:27 — Indu Pendent

If anyone wants to know the names of the people simply go google it. They have been out in twitter and bloggs for over a year and well know inside Labour.

The question is 'Where is Miliband' as he has know about the systematic suppression of peodiphiles and sex abusers by the establishment amongst the elite for years and has done absolutely nothing whatsoever about it. The story is just breaking ... Miliband will shortly jump on the bandwagon and clame he was the one responsible for clearing it up exactly the same as with phone hacking.

Thu, 2012-11-08 13:41 — Chairman Bill (not verified)

Oh dear - even Cameron is equating paedophilia with homosexuality. Silly man - I sense a U turn by this evening.

Thu, 2012-11-08 13:34 — Helen L (not verified)

@CiaranGoggins

No, it lacks EVIDENCE. This is a serious allegation, not to mention a libellous one.

Thu, 2012-11-08 13:19 — Knits-with-Wolves (not verified)

As has been pointed out elsewhere, the only person to have made any kind of connection between paedophilia, child abuse and being gay is the Prime Minister himself, this morning. Paedophiles and child abusers can be gay or straight, male or female, although evidence given by many witnesses and abused children so far hasn't made reference to any female abusers.

Cameron needs to make sure he doesn't point the finger of blame at any particular section of society. Perhaps his discomfiture led him to "mis-speak".

Thu, 2012-11-08 13:19 — Jaynesays (not verified)

It was a piece of TV Gold and I only tuned in to catch the weather report! His face was a picture! Well done to Phil Schofield for hitting him with the list! Cameron is no doubt cacking himself - he knows this will sink the Tory party - he's no doubt thinking the 3rd Tory led cover up is going to be very difficult - the public won't accept another one. This investigation should be taken out of his hands - does anyone trust a 3rd bunch of tories to do a proper job of this, after 2 Tory linked investigations have both failed to do the right thing?? That shredded report would be an interesting read - wonder if the company who carried it out had the forethought to keep a sneeky copy - despite every copy being recalled and shredded. The Big C has already proved to be a compulsive liar - I don't trust him 1 bit with this! And especially not under remit of May The Incompetent! Will these serial child molesters get their comeuppance at last?? It's long overdue!