Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a national inquiry into grooming gangs after accepting recommendations from Baroness Louise Casey’s audit. The statutory investigation will cover England and Wales, aiming to uncover the full scale of group-based child sexual exploitation.
For months, critics pressured the government to launch a national inquiry into grooming gangs. Initially, officials dismissed the idea, citing a previous seven-year investigation by Professor Alexis Jay. However, Baroness Casey’s findings changed the prime minister stance.
Speaking en route to the G7 summit, Starmer confirmed the decision. He admitted Baroness Casey initially doubted the need for another inquiry. Yet after months of research, she reversed her position. Starmer emphasized he carefully reviewed her report before approving the recommendation.
The inquiry will operate under the Inquiries Act, granting it legal power to summon witnesses and demand evidence. A government source revealed it will coordinate targeted local investigations, even if councils resist. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper will present the full report in Parliament on Monday.
Earlier this year, tech billionaire Elon Musk amplified demands for a national inquiry into grooming gangs. High-profile cases in Rotherham and Rochdale, involving mostly Pakistani-origin offenders, fueled public outrage. Despite pressure, the government initially opted for a rapid three month audit instead.
Baroness Casey’s review, delayed by a requested extension, finally concluded this month. Conservatives, long advocating for a statutory probe, welcomed the announcement but criticized Starmer’s delayed response. Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch accused him of indecision, calling the move a belated U-turn.
Reform UK’s Nigel Farage cautiously praised the decision, demanding a thorough, unbiased investigation. Meanwhile, former Reform MP Rupert Lowe credited Musk for forcing the government’s hand.
Victims of grooming gangs have awaited justice for years. Now, with a national inquiry into grooming gangs confirmed, many hope for accountability. Authorities must now ensure the inquiry delivers truth, transparency, and long overdue justice.
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