Labour MPs have voted to block a Conservative-led amendment calling for a national inquiry into historic child sexual exploitation by grooming gangs, sparking outrage among victims’ advocates and political opponents. The amendment, aimed at pressuring the government to initiate a statutory inquiry, was defeated by a vote of 364 to 111 on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended the decision, arguing that victims seek immediate action rather than delays from another inquiry. “Victims want action now, not the delay of a further inquiry,” Starmer stated. However, critics have accused the government of avoiding transparency on the issue, with fears of a “cover-up” raised by opposition leaders and victim advocates.
Calls for Accountability
Kemi Badenoch, the Leader of the Opposition, emphasized the importance of a national inquiry, stating that the absence of one could fuel suspicions of a lack of accountability. Robbie Moore, Conservative MP for Keighley and Ilkley, also criticized the decision, highlighting a “vacuum of accountability” that has persisted for two decades. Moore recounted harrowing stories from his constituency, where families and victims of grooming gangs continue to demand justice.
“They want the world to know the depths this scandal reaches,” Moore told the Commons, warning that the scale of abuse in Bradford could surpass the notorious Rotherham scandal.
Debates over Ethnicity and Accountability
The debate over grooming gangs has long been fraught with controversy. Foreign Secretary David Lammy previously criticized highlighting the ethnic backgrounds of perpetrators, warning it “panders to the far-right.” This followed the 2018 conviction of 20 men, mainly of Pakistani heritage, for abusing girls as young as 11 in Huddersfield.
Shadow ministers have acknowledged that many victims in affected areas have not been heard. Neil O’Brien, Shadow Education Minister, called for a fresh national inquiry to complement the findings of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), which he argued failed to fully address the grooming gangs issue.
“There were 40 to 50 places where grooming gangs operated, but the victims in those places have never been heard,” O’Brien said.
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Government Response and Further Criticism
The government has touted its Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill as a significant step forward. Described as “the biggest piece of child protection legislation in a generation” by Schools Minister Catherine McKinnell, the bill promises reforms to safeguarding and children’s social care. However, critics argue that it does not go far enough to address past failures or provide justice for victims.
Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza has called for faster and more decisive action. While supporting existing commitments, she urged the government to pursue further investigations and reforms.
Political Fallout
The blocked inquiry has ignited a political firestorm, with the Conservatives accusing Labour of prioritizing party loyalty over justice. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp condemned the vote as a “disgusting act of cowardice” and vowed not to let the issue fade.
“This is about learning the truth behind the torture and rape of countless vulnerable girls,” Philp said.
As tensions mount, public pressure for accountability and action continues to grow, with victims’ voices echoing across communities. The debate over how best to address the grooming gang scandals remains a contentious and polarizing issue in British politics
