Child sexual abuse campaigners have criticized former BBC News presenter Huw Edwards for launching a blog shortly after his conviction for accessing indecent images of children. Critics have described the move as demonstrating a "staggering lack of awareness" and showing "inappropriate and disrespectful" insensitivity.
Edwards, 53, admitted in 2024 to accessing 41 images of children, including seven of the most serious category. He received a six-month sentence, suspended for two years, and was placed on the sex offenders' register for seven years.
On Wednesday, Edwards launched a Substack blog intended to offer "commentary and analysis" on topics including current affairs and mental health. The move has drawn criticism from some who perceive it as a lack of remorse.
Responding to the backlash, Edwards stated that those concerned by the blog may have misinterpreted its intent. He also reiterated that he had expressed "sincere regret and remorse" in court and in a public statement issued in March.
Emma Jane Taylor, founder of the grassroots charity Project 90-10 and a survivor of child sexual abuse, expressed frustration. "To think he can simply return to a public platform and be received as though nothing has happened shows a staggering lack of awareness," Taylor said. She added that many survivors are too afraid to discuss such issues, hindering public conversation.
Taylor, who works full-time in the fitness and wellbeing sector and runs her organization voluntarily, believes there is a need for improved awareness, safeguarding, and training concerning child sexual abuse. "If it was the bloke next door, everyone would be up in arms about it. And I don't doubt people will be, but some will say he deserves a second chance," she commented on public reactions.
She concluded, "He is on the sex offenders' register – that should not entitle him to a blog. We don't want to hear from you, Huw."