MPs have turned down a Conservative push for a new inquiry into grooming gangs amid ongoing debates on child protection legislation
London: So, the MPs just shot down the Conservative’s idea for another inquiry into grooming gangs. It’s been a hot topic lately, especially with the new child protection laws coming up.
During a heated session in Parliament, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch argued that not backing this inquiry would make people think there’s a cover-up happening. But the majority of MPs weren’t having it and voted against the motion.
They voted 364 to 111, which is a pretty solid rejection. It seems like the Conservatives were hoping to stall the new legislation with this inquiry, but it didn’t work out.
Even the Prime Minister got involved, calling out Badenoch for spreading “lies and misinformation.” He urged her to drop her amendment, saying it wouldn’t help the victims of child sexual abuse.
Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, pointed out that another inquiry could just delay real action. He met with some victims who want immediate steps taken, not more investigations.
Things got even more intense when Elon Musk jumped into the fray, criticizing Starmer and the safeguarding minister on social media. He even called Starmer “Starmtrooper,” which is quite the nickname!
Badenoch’s amendment was all about pushing for a national inquiry into historical child sexual exploitation, but with Labour’s majority, it was pretty much doomed from the start.
After the vote, the Conservatives were quick to accuse Labour of ignoring justice for the victims. They’re really pushing the narrative that Labour is blocking the truth about these horrific cases.
Critics are also suggesting that Starmer might be avoiding a national inquiry because it could bring up his past as director of public prosecutions. But the Prime Minister defended his record, saying he was the first to prosecute an Asian grooming gang.
Meanwhile, the Home Secretary announced that the Government would start implementing new measures to report child sexual abuse, which is a step in the right direction.
