Starmer Grooming Gangs Inquiry U-Turn
- Sir Keir starmer is facing accusations of a U-turn after committing to a statutory inquiry into grooming gangs.
- Starmer stated he had read "every single word" of Baroness Louise Casey's independent report and would accept her suggestion for a formal investigation.The inquiry will have the power...
- Critics, including Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch, have seized on the reversal.
Starmer Accused of U-Turn After Ordering Inquiry into Grooming Gangs
Sir Keir starmer is facing accusations of a U-turn after committing to a statutory inquiry into grooming gangs. The move comes after months of resisting pressure for a full probe into child sexual exploitation.
Starmer stated he had read “every single word” of Baroness Louise Casey’s independent report and would accept her suggestion for a formal investigation.The inquiry will have the power to compel witnesses and will coordinate local investigations on a national scale.
Critics, including Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch, have seized on the reversal. Badenoch called on Starmer to apologize for what she described as ”six wasted months” of inaction.
“I’ve been repeatedly calling for a full national inquiry since January. It’s about time he recognised he made a mistake and apologised for six wasted months,” Badenoch said.
Starmer, speaking to reporters during a visit to Canada, defended his decision.”I have never said we should not look again at any issue. I have wanted to be assured on the question of any inquiry. That’s why I asked Louise Casey, who I hugely respect, to do an audit,” he said.
He added,”Her position when she started the audit was that there was not a real need for a national inquiry over and above what was going on. She has looked at the material she has looked at, and she has come to the view that there should be a national inquiry based on what she has seen.”
Casey Review Findings Due
Baroness Casey’s review findings are scheduled to be presented in Parliament on Monday. The 2022 report by Prof Jay highlighted institutional failures and tens of thousands of victims across England and wales.
The issue of grooming gangs gained national attention in January after Elon Musk’s social media attacks on Starmer and safeguarding minister Jess Phillips,following the government’s initial rejection of an inquiry request from Oldham Council.
What’s next
The inquiry is expected to begin soon, with a focus on coordinating local investigations and compelling witnesses to provide evidence. The findings of baroness Casey’s review will be crucial in shaping the scope and direction of the inquiry.