All the complaints appeared to have no effect: the Quilliam “research” on so-called “grooming gangs” remained unaltered, the authors weren’t engaging with anyone questioning it, and nor was co-founder Maajid Nawaz. This was despite researchers like Dr Ella Cockbain setting out its shortcomings, and that, although rather too many groups had already accepted its findings as data, it should not be treated as reliable.
This, though, all changed yesterday, not that Quilliam advertised the fact. The claims made for their “research” were quietly amended. The changes are subtle enough for the untrained eye to miss, and can only be picked up by putting the Before and After side to side to effect a comparison. So let’s see what’s different.
Both versions tell readers “More recently, case after case of this horrendous crime has been splashed over the news, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed that the vast majority of offenders have been of Asian ethnicity”. Or, in other words, leading the reader.
BEFORE - now you see it
Then comes this passage: “The report will therefore provide a comprehensive data analysis of all group child sex offences committed in the United Kingdom over a period of 12 years in order to definitively demonstrate whether one ethnic, racial or religious group is disproportionately represented in such convictions, and if this is indeed the case, go on to explore why this might be the case. The report will conclude with recommendations on how to move towards solution-building”. This is the one that has been changed.
AFTER - now you don't
It is now “The report will therefore provide [‘a comprehensive’ removed ] data analysis of [‘all group child sex’ replaced by ‘group-based CSE’] offences committed in the United Kingdom over a period of 12 years in order to [‘definitively’ removed] demonstrate whether one ethnic, racial or religious group is disproportionately represented in such convictions, and if this is indeed the case, go on to explore why this might be the case. The report will conclude with recommendations on how to move towards solution-building”.
In other words, Quilliam has begun its climbdown. Those taking an interest in such matters will not be impressed that no revision history was shown, nor any revision described; the changes had to be teased out by a line-by-line analysis. This is sly and dishonest.
Small wonder Dr Cockbain has told “Alert: @QuilliamOrg is IN RETREAT. Corrections have been made to two majorly flawed claims of the original report. Numerous other flaws & rotten foundations still not addressed. Time for a complete retraction & apology?” Nafeez Ahmed, seeing the news, concluded “I don't know whether to laugh or cry. Quilliam are on the run, effectively acknowledging the validity of the critique”.
But, as one commentator pointed out, “What good will an apology do? They've inflamed their target audience and stoked hatred, simply apologising for their ‘error’ will be a case of closing the stable door after the horse has bolted. It's just a pity they can't be prosecuted”. The “84%” claim has stained public discourse and will need a lot of cleaning power to remove it. It has been used to embolden the Islamophobic far right.
Quilliam have effectively poured petrol all over the building, then after it has burned down, sniggered quietly “yeah that was wrong” and walked away. That’s not good enough.
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6 comments:
"So called grooming gangs" are you saying they don't and never have existed? Eye witness evidence suggests otherwise.
"Quilliam have effectively poured petrol all over the building, then after it has burned down, sniggered quietly “yeah that was wrong” and walked away. That’s not good enough."
Oh dear Mr Fenton that is in very bad taste in light of recent events. I would recant and use another less combustible simile. Otherwise you have no right to criticise those who actually set fire to buildings, albeit in model form.
@1
You're reaching. And you didn't get hold of it.
Shawcross, given this and other posts of yours I doubt you are remotely capable of recanting.
Shawcross is right, bad taste, recant.
The hypocrisy of the "liberal" left in full view + the usual attacking the messenger.
Shame on you Fenton!
@4
The pile-on ain't making it.
Shame indeed.
Having read most of the media reports these offenders sound less like an organised "grooming gang" rather a group of like minded friends who simply passed on their vulnerable victims once they tired of the poor things.
One must avoid believing media reports that paint a picture that does not necessarily reflect reality. 'Gang' implies a group of men who sort of met every Saturday night in a room and planned an exercise, a bit like planning a robbery.
However apart from the media there are many who promote the idea that certain races have a tendency to form these organised 'gangs' and set out to deliberately target certain individuals. One name comes to mind-"Tommy Robinson". Perhaps Shawcross has heard of him.
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