After months of criticism, the UK Prime Minister has finally launched an investigation into the abuse of young girls nationwide.
In a reversal of previous policy, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has initiated a nationwide inquiry into how authorities handled the grooming gangs sex abuse scandal. His government had previously rejected calls for such action.
These gangs, largely comprised of men of Pakistani descent, have been operating in the UK for decades, systematically raping and torturing vulnerable girls.
Earlier this year, the government dismissed requests for a national inquiry, arguing that the matter had already been addressed during a seven-year investigation.
However, Starmer told reporters on Sunday, ahead of the G7 summit in Canada: “I’ve never said we should not look again at any issue.”
The National Crime Agency (NCA) will spearhead a nationwide effort to reopen old group-based child sexual abuse cases and apprehend offenders who escaped prior police investigations. According to officials, the aim is to imprison perpetrators and provide justice to victims whose cases were previously ignored.
The scandal was thrust back into the limelight in January when Elon Musk accused Starmer of failing to protect children. Musk alleged that Starmer was “complicit” in the failure of authorities to protect victims and prosecute offenders during his time as director of public prosecutions from 2008 to 2013.
Since January, British authorities have reopened over 800 cases and plan to coordinate efforts among local forces, specialist units, and national teams.
This action coincides with the formal commencement of a statutory public inquiry, which has the power to compel witnesses and direct local investigations. This follows a rapid review that determined a new probe was necessary.
The inquiry will investigate institutional shortcomings – including those of councils, police, and elected officials – in protecting vulnerable girls, with a specific focus on complaints that were ignored or mishandled.
Authorized under the 2005 Inquiries Act, the inquiry can initiate detailed local case reviews and seek accountability where misconduct or cover-ups are suspected.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage welcomed the “U-turn,” while warning against a “whitewash” and demanding justice for victims. Former MP Rupert Lowe credited Elon Musk for prompting action, asserting that there would have been “no inquiry, no justice” without him. Musk responded with a heart emoji.
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