The Scottish government has announced a major Scottish grooming inquiry to investigate group-based child sexual abuse. Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth confirmed the inquiry in parliament on Wednesday, calling the move a “victory for women and girls.” The inquiry will operate under the Inquiries Act and will have full investigatory powers.
Ms Gilruth explained that survivors of child sexual abuse influenced her decision. She described their testimonies as “shocking in the extreme” and highlighted patterns of coercion, control, and abuse. Moreover, survivors demanded decisive action to prevent future crimes. She added that this inquiry will clarify the extent and nature of group-based abuse in Scotland. Because evidence remains limited, she emphasised the urgency of acting quickly to protect victims and guide next steps.
Initially, the government planned to wait for the National Review, announced last December, which intended to assess whether a statutory inquiry was necessary over 18 months. However, after engaging directly with survivors, Ms Gilruth decided that immediate action was necessary. Consequently, the Scottish grooming inquiry will begin sooner than expected.
Opposition politicians challenged the government’s reversal. Scottish Conservative shadow minister Roz McCall argued that every day matters for victims seeking justice. Labour’s Pauline McNeill pressed for clarity on new evidence, while SNP MSP Rona Mackay asked the government to specify the information that influenced its decision.
Labour MP Joani Reid praised the announcement, calling the inquiry a “huge victory for survivors and for the women and girls who refused to be ignored.” She noted that survivors had long demanded a statutory inquiry with legal powers and independence to ensure accountability and public confidence.
Professor Alexis Jay will chair the public inquiry and step down from her current review role. Ms Gilruth praised Prof Jay’s decades of experience in child protection and abuse investigations. Additionally, the government will launch a Truth Project alongside the inquiry, providing survivors a platform to share their experiences openly.
The Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, established in 2015, will continue, but this new inquiry will specifically address group-based abuse. Furthermore, officials including HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary Craig Naylor and Deputy Chief Constable Bex Smith gave evidence to Holyrood’s education committee about underreporting and recording challenges.
Ultimately, the Scottish grooming inquiry marks a significant step forward for victims seeking justice. In addition, it represents a push toward greater transparency and long-overdue reforms in Scotland’s child protection system.
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