In a major Breaking News update, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has officially announced a full national statutory inquiry into grooming gangs. This decision follows strong public pressure, including from political parties, survivors, and even tech billionaire Elon Musk. The inquiry will cover England and Wales and will investigate the nature, scale, and causes of group-based child sexual abuse.
This is one of the most significant developments in recent Daily news highlights, especially on matters concerning child protection and government accountability.
Why the National Inquiry Is Happening
The decision comes after an independent audit conducted by Baroness Louise Casey, who studied the available data on grooming gangs. Although she initially felt a new inquiry wasn’t necessary, her opinion changed after a deep review of the evidence. She now believes a full national inquiry is essential.
Prime Minister Starmer said:
- “I’ve read every single word of Baroness Casey’s report.”
- “I asked her to double-check this matter for me.”
- “She now recommends a full inquiry, and I agree with her.”
The inquiry will be statutory, which means it will operate under the Inquiries Act. This gives it the power to force witnesses to appear and submit evidence, even if they don’t want to.
Key Details of the Inquiry
The inquiry will involve both national and local investigations. Some of these local investigations may happen even if local councils do not approve of them. A senior government source said the plan is to “coordinate a series of targeted local investigations” in areas affected by grooming gangs.
Here are 4 key points about the upcoming inquiry:
- Nationwide Coverage: The inquiry will cover both England and Wales, giving it a broad reach.
- Legal Power: It will have the legal power to compel evidence, which many campaigners have demanded for years.
- New Local Investigations: New investigations will be held in multiple areas, whether or not local authorities agree.
- Focus on Cultural Drivers: The inquiry will also study demographics, victim profiles, and cultural issues that may have influenced the crimes.
Background: Pressure and Delays
Earlier this year, the government refused to launch a full national inquiry, claiming the matter had already been studied in a seven-year review by Professor Alexis Jay. However, this decision faced public backlash.
In January, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced a shorter three-month review instead. But even that review faced delays, and the final report by Baroness Casey was only completed recently.
This new move by Prime Minister Starmer marks a major policy reversal, often called a “U-turn” by critics.
Political Reactions and Public Voices
Many political figures welcomed the decision but criticized how long it took.
- Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, said, “It’s about time. He wasted six months.”
- Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, called it a “welcome U-turn” and said the inquiry must not become a whitewash.
- Rupert Lowe, former MP, said the inquiry wouldn’t have happened “without Elon Musk,” who had publicly criticized the government on social media.
- Musk responded with a heart emoji to Lowe’s post, suggesting his support for the victims.
The Voice of the Survivors
Survivors of grooming gangs have long asked for justice. Many shared heartbreaking stories of abuse happening “almost daily.” These crimes took place in towns such as Rotherham and Rochdale, where groups of men, mostly of Pakistani descent, were found guilty of abusing young white girls.
This new inquiry gives many survivors hope that real justice will finally be delivered and that the full truth will be revealed.
What Happens Next?
Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, is expected to speak in the House of Commons on Monday. Baroness Casey’s full report will be released at the same time. The government will then begin the process of setting up the inquiry, which may take a few months.
This inquiry is expected to shine a light on institutional failures and ensure such crimes are never repeated. For now, this remains a top story in both political and social justice circles and will stay a key part of the Daily news highlights in the coming weeks.
