Margaret Thatcher was aware of rumours about MP with ‘penchant for young boys’ but did nothing about it, inquiry finds

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) published the Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse linked to Westminster Investigation Report on Tuesday morning.

The report found that MPs, peers and civil servants who worked in Westminster “significantly failed in their responses to allegations of child sexual abuse”.

The report also found the political establishment “turned a blind eye” to allegations of child sex abuse because they wanted to avoid “gossip and scandal”.

“It is clear that there have been significant failures by Westminster institutions in their dealing with, and confrontation of, allegations of child sexual abuse,” reads the report.

“This has included not recognising it, turning a blind eye to it, actively shielding and protecting perpetrators, and covering up allegations of child sexual abuse.”

The report did not find any evidence to support the allegation that a paedophile ring was operating in Westminster.

Perhaps one of the report’s most explosive findings concerns former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

According to the report, Mrs. Thatcher was aware of rumours that her Parliamentary Private Secretary, Peter Morrison, molested a young boy on a train in Crewe.

Morrison was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in February 1991 but died of a heart attack at the age of 51 in July 1991.

“Barry Strevens, Mrs Thatcher’s former personal protection officer and a Detective Inspector, recalls a visit Mrs Thatcher was making to Chester which he dates as being in 1985,” reads the report.

“This was around the time Peter Morrison was being considered for Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party.

“Mr Strevens recalled mentioning to a police officer who was head of operations in a local police force about the fact that consideration was being given to Peter Morrison becoming Deputy Chairman of the Party.

“The officer told Mr Strevens that he thought he should know about the rumours circulating regarding Peter Morrison holding parties in his Chester home and the local press who were looking into rumours that a 15-year-old boy was frequenting the parties.

“Mr Strevens decided to tell Mrs Thatcher when they returned to Downing Street.

“He saw her in her flat at 10 Downing Street.

“Present was Archie Hamilton, who preceded Peter Morrison as her PPS.

“Mr Strevens told her what he had heard, for which she thanked him.”

The report continues: “According to Mr Strevens, Mr Hamilton took notes during the meeting.

“Mr Strevens heard no more about it but had expected the instigation of some form of investigation, by which he meant a conversation with Peter Morrison and Archie Hamilton and some action depending on the outcome.

“Despite his information, Peter Morrison did become Deputy Chairman of the Party.

“Much later, in the early 1990s, Peter Morrison revealed to Mr Strevens without any animosity that he knew about the conversation he had had with Mrs Thatcher.”

Professor Alexis Jay, who chaired the inquiry, said Westminster institutions were “actively shielding abusers” from the police.

“It is clear to see that Westminster institutions have repeatedly failed to deal with allegations of child sexual abuse, from turning a blind eye to actively shielding abusers,” said Professor Jay.

“A consistent pattern emerged of failures to put the welfare of children above political status although we have found no evidence of an organised network of paedophiles within government.

“We hope this report and its recommendations will lead political institutions to prioritise the needs and safety of vulnerable children,” he added.