BBC Panorama child abuse show 'could stop victims coming forward' claims campaigner

A leading campaigner for justice for victims of child abuse has voiced concerns over the upcoming documentary

A Panorama episode could ruin ongoing probes into ­historical child sex abuse by VIP perverts, a campaigner has warned.
Peter Saunders, founder of the National Association of People Abused in Childhood, says if victims’ stories are not handled sympathetically others will be less likely to speak out.

The hour-long show by the BBC – which was ­accused of botching its ­handling of the Jimmy Savile furore – screens this week. It will focus on how news about probes has come out and who has been driving it.

The episode – The VIP Paedophile Ring: What’s the Truth? – is not expected to ­restrict itself to one particular police ­operation or set of allegations.

But it will ask if detectives have described some claims as “credible and true” despite having no hard ­evidence or corroboration.

Mr Saunders, who sits on the victims and survivors consultancy panel of the Goddard Inquiry, said: “I was interviewed. How they edit it I won’t know until it’s out. I was assured it would be balanced.

“If it’s not and they make something huge out of the fact that once in a blue moon you get someone whose memory is distorted, that is unhelpful. That would be detrimental to child protection and the ­ongoing inquiry.
“Many survivors are vulnerable people. If something appears to be an attack on other survivors and their integrity that may dissuade them from coming forward.”

When radio DJ Savile’s depravity emerged, the BBC was ­criticised for ­failing to act on tip-offs and rumours over the years. It also drew flak for axing a Newsnight probe on him.

Stuart Hall, another child sex fiend who worked for the BBC, was snared when a victim spoke out after seeing reports on Savile.

The Panorama show has ­already been blasted by MP John Mann. He tweeted last month: “Panorama acting very oddly on child abuse. Twice in three months asked for interview and then vanished. Looking like a hatchet job on survivors.”

Sources say there was a row between show makers and BBC chiefs.

Mr Saunders said of his interview: “They asked if political interference was in the best interests of inquiries and court cases. I said politicians getting involved on behalf of constituents is fine. If it’s just for the benefit of them or their parties, leave it. It’s too important.”

Campaigner Chris Fay is also on the show, airing on Tuesday at 10.35pm. He said: “I have two fears. One is it stops people coming forward. More importantly, these people are vulnerable.”

Mr Fay thinks the BBC should have made a show on the IPCC investigations instead, adding: “That’s former police officers. That’s a game changer.”

The IPCC has added 12 extra claims of police cover-ups against the Met to the 17 it was already investigating. It is also ­probing 30 cases against Essex Police brought by retired officers.

A Panorama spokesman said of the episode: “'This Panorama does not blame victims but investigates the conduct of the police, journalists, campaigners, and politicians in handling historic allegations of child abuse against prominent individuals.

"People have not yet seen the programme and should wait until it is aired. After the programme any affected viewers will be directed to the BBC Action Line."

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Working with MI5 to stop the truth being told?