Boris Johnson slammed a Labour MP's question on Child Q as "completely ridiculous" - as he publicly spoke about the incident for the first time.
The Prime Minister described the reports of Child Q's strip-search at school as "deeply distressing and concerning", but backed the Government's response to the reports.
Labour MP Helen Hayes asked the PM: "On Monday the Policing Minister failed to answer four separate questions in this chamber, asking when he first knew about child Q case and what urgent action in response.
"So I ask the Prime Minister, when did he first hear about the strip-search of Child Q in her school and whether he believes that the characteristic dither and delay of his government in responding to this appalling case is remotely acceptable when it comes to the safety of children."
Mr Johnson replied: "I think that is a completely ridiculous characterisation of the government. The reports of this incident are deeply distressing and deeply concerning to everybody.
"Everybody shares her feelings about that, Mr. Speaker. But the Metropolitan Police have rightly apologised and the IOPC is investigating. And for that reason, it would not be would not be right to comment further."
Child Q was strip searched by female Metropolitan Police officers at her school in 2020 without another adult present and in the knowledge that she was menstruating.
The 15-year-old had been wrongly suspected of carrying cannabis.
Following the traumatic search, family members described her as changing from a “happy-go-lucky girl to a timid recluse that hardly speaks”, who now self-harms and needs therapy.
Kit Malthouse was blasted on Monday for displaying a "distinct lack of urgency" after repeatedly saying the Government must wait for the outcome of a police watchdog report into the strip search of a black schoolgirl.
Mr Malthouse said Child Q “could have been any one of our relatives” as he condemned the “dreadful” incident, adding that the revulsion provoked by the case “is not confined to women”.
But he repeatedly said the Government must wait for a report into the incident by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) which will provide the “full picture”, and told MPs the officers involved “have a right to due process”.
The case of Child Q has sparked outrage from politicians and the public, with London mayor Sadiq Khan sharing his “dismay and disgust”, and equalities minister Kemi Badenoch calling it an “appalling incident”.
Protests also took place over the weekend in London.
The degrading strip search of Child Q Charles Q two years ago, in a school that should have been a safe place at the hands of police officers who she should have been able to trust has caused anger and distrust across the
Brits across the country have expressed their fury over the Government's 'silence' after the report was published.
