Kemi Badenoch insists a national inquiry into the grooming scandal is essential for justice for victims across the UK
Oldham: Kemi Badenoch is calling for a national inquiry into the grooming scandal that rocked various UK towns. She believes it’s high time for this investigation.
She mentioned that 2025 should be the year victims finally see justice. This comes after Jess Phillips, the safeguarding minister, turned down a request from Oldham council for a public inquiry into local child exploitation.
Badenoch took to X to express her frustration, saying it’s long overdue for a thorough inquiry into the rape gangs scandal. She pointed out that while trials have happened across the country, no one has connected the dots.
Joining her in this call is shadow safeguarding minister Alicia Kearns. She’s reached out to Phillips, urging her to reconsider the government’s stance on Oldham.
Kearns emphasized the need for Conservative measures to be enacted, pushing for a statutory inquiry into grooming and rape gangs.
It’s heartbreaking to think that girls as young as 11 were groomed and abused in towns like Oldham, Rochdale, and Rotherham over a decade ago. This scandal came to light in 2013, revealing a shocking level of exploitation.
A report by Prof Alexis Jay in 2014 highlighted the abuse of around 1,400 girls in Rotherham alone, showing how police and social services failed to act.
In her final report from 2022, Prof Jay noted that children are still being exploited in terrible ways across England and Wales. She recommended that organizations working with kids should be legally required to report any suspicions of abuse.
In a letter to Oldham Council last October, Phillips acknowledged the strong feelings surrounding the issue but insisted it was up to the council to decide on an inquiry.
She expressed her support for the council’s ongoing work with victims and survivors, hoping for positive outcomes from any future inquiries.
Critics, including former home secretary Suella Braverman, have slammed Phillips for her response, claiming she’s failing the victims.
On the flip side, Badenoch faced backlash from survivors like Sammy Woodhouse, who accused her party of ignoring the issue for years until now.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage also chimed in, saying the Conservatives had ample time to launch an inquiry during their 14 years in power.
Oldham Council reassured that survivors are at the center of their efforts to combat child sexual exploitation, promising to prioritize their wishes.
A Labour spokesperson reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting investigations and inquiries to ensure justice for victims of these horrific crimes.
