Labour’s refusal to initiate a grooming inquiry in Oldham has sparked outrage from critics, including Elon Musk and Conservative leaders.
Oldham: Labour is really feeling the heat right now. They’ve decided not to hold a public inquiry into the historic sexual abuse by grooming gangs, and it’s causing quite a stir.
Elon Musk didn’t hold back, calling the decision “disgraceful.” Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, chimed in too, saying it’s high time for a full national inquiry into these rape gangs.
Jess Phillips, Labour’s safeguarding minister, insists it’s up to Oldham council to decide if they want to investigate the alleged exploitation that happened between 2011 and 2014.
A report from 2022 revealed that children in Oldham were let down by the very agencies meant to protect them, with grooming primarily linked to “predominantly Pakistani offenders.”
Last year, Oldham council’s Labour group actually supported an independent inquiry and even wrote to Phillips, asking the Home Office to back this effort.
But Phillips responded, saying it’s solely up to Oldham Council to kick off an inquiry into local child sexual exploitation. She welcomed their resolution but seemed to brush off any government intervention.
On social media, Musk reacted to her comments, suggesting she should be in prison for her stance. Badenoch also took to the platform, emphasizing the need for a national inquiry into the rape gangs scandal.
She pointed out that while trials have happened across the country, no one in authority has connected the dots. She believes 2025 should be the year victims finally see justice.
Musk has been quite vocal against Sir Keir Starmer and his government lately, and he’s not shy about calling out Phillips for her decision. He suggested she’s avoiding an inquiry to protect Starmer from blame.
He reminded everyone that serious crimes like rape need the Crown Prosecution Service’s approval for police to charge suspects. And guess who was in charge of the CPS when these grooming gangs were active? Yep, Keir Starmer.
Starmer himself has acknowledged the failures in the system and has been vocal about the need to support victims. He even prosecuted the first grooming gang case in Rochdale.
But Musk isn’t letting up. He’s been critical of Starmer’s responses to various issues, including the Southport riots and the Labour government’s tax policies.
Meanwhile, Alicia Kearns, the shadow safeguarding minister, is gearing up to challenge Phillips’ decision. She’s puzzled as to why ministers would refuse a council’s request for help in investigating these serious issues.
Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, called Phillips’ decision “shameful” and is pushing for tougher sentences in these cases. Musk backed him up on that.
Former home secretary Suella Braverman also weighed in, criticizing Phillips for her inaction and claiming it shows a lack of commitment to protecting women and girls.
It’s a messy situation, and it looks like the pressure is only going to keep building.
