A recent vote in Parliament on grooming gangs has sparked controversy and debate
London: A Conservative amendment for a national inquiry into grooming gangs was shot down in the Commons. The vote saw 111 in favor and 364 against, a clear majority of 253.
Ms. Badenoch pushed for this amendment as part of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. She wanted ministers to create new laws focusing on child welfare and to investigate historical child sexual exploitation linked to grooming gangs.
Interestingly, the amendment had support from 101 Conservatives, a few from Reform UK, and some independents, but not a single Labour MP backed it.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticized the Tory leader for spreading “lies and misinformation” that he claimed hurt victims of child sexual abuse. He argued that another inquiry could slow down necessary actions against these crimes.
During Prime Minister’s Questions, he pointed out that recommendations from a previous investigation, which wrapped up in 2022, still hadn’t been acted upon.
Afterward, Sir Keir’s spokesman faced questions about the inquiry. Jess Phillips, the safeguarding minister, mentioned that “nothing is off the table” regarding the scandal.
The spokesman insisted that the government’s approach is based on what victims want. He noted that discussions with victims’ groups revealed they prefer immediate action over a national inquiry.
Things heated up when Elon Musk took to social media, criticizing Sir Keir and Jess Phillips. He even called Sir Keir “Starmtrooper” and accused him of trying to cover up serious issues.
Critics suggest that Sir Keir might be avoiding a national inquiry to steer clear of scrutiny regarding his past as director of public prosecutions from 2008 to 2013.
However, the Prime Minister defended his record, highlighting that he initiated the first major prosecution of an Asian grooming gang and changed how such cases are handled.
Prof. Jay, who led a significant inquiry into child sexual abuse, believes it’s too late for another extensive investigation into grooming gangs.
On Monday, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced that the government would start implementing mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse, as recommended by Prof. Jay.
England’s Children’s Commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza, emphasized the need for immediate action but also expressed support for any further investigations deemed necessary.
