George Galloway reveals child abuse ordeal

George Galloway today revealed he was the victim of child sex abuse as he backed a government vetting system for people working with children.

The MP said he had been abused by a school janitor when he was 11.

In a column in the Daily Record newspaper, Mr Galloway said: "Every time a Soham murderer or a Dunblane Thomas Hamilton emerges, I die a little inside as I remember that dirty old man driven by the same perverted interest in sexually attacking kids.

"I told no one, not even my wives, of what happened to me. All I feel is ashamed, though I was the child victim and he the aggressive predator."

A scheme to vet everyone who wants to work or volunteer with children will begin in October. The Independent Safeguarding Authority will carry out the checks in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

They are being introduced after the murders of schoolgirls Jessica Chapman and Holly Wells by school caretaker Ian Huntley in 2002.

Several children's authors have spoken out against the system, including Michael Morpurgo, who said it is a "step too far" and will stop his school visits.

But Mr Galloway, Respect MP for Bethnal Green and Bow, said it will be worth it if it spares one child the "horrors" of abuse: "Trust me. I know."