Lowell Goddard on leading abuse inquiry

New Zealand High Court judge Lowell Goddard has been named as the head of a new inquiry into historical child sex abuse in England and Wales.

The inquiry will have statutory powers and a new panel, Home Secretary Theresa May told the House of Commons.

Justice Goddard told Today: "This is an independent inquiry in every sense that such an inquiry should be".

"It's very important to remember that at the forefront of this inquiry ...are the survivors of child sexual abuse. Their views will inform the inquiry throughout and at the outset will be hugely beneficial in formulating the composition of the panel".