Kemi Badenoch will set out a blueprint for a nationwide probe into grooming gangs. The Tory chief will unveil phrases of reference for a full statutory inquiry, drawn up with survivors and advocates, which she is urging the Government to undertake.
The investigation could be impartial of Government and have the ability to compel witnesses to present proof. Mrs Badenoch mentioned: “This is about survivors and what they want. We must give a voice to the voiceless. They have told us what an inquiry must include in order to obtain justice. This is what the terms of reference sets out.
“I urge the Government to do the right thing and act now to establish a national statutory inquiry that not only investigates state institutions who let the survivors down, but also any ethnic and religious links that caused these crimes.”
The inquiry would look at whether state institutions were part of a cover-up and look at the role of ethnicity and religion.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp, who will appear at a press conference alongside Mrs Badenoch on Monday, added: “This inquiry will have the powers, independence, and scope needed to uncover organised grooming networks and the institutional failures that let victims down. Nothing will be off limits.
“It is time to put survivors first and ensure this can never happen again. The truth is the Labour Government never wanted the inquiry into grooming gangs to begin with. They had to be dragged kicking and screaming into holding it. It is time for the Prime Minister to grow a backbone, deliver justice for every survivor, and hold every official who enabled these crimes to account.”
Sir Keir Starmer introduced a nationwide inquiry into grooming gangs in June following intense stress from the Conservatives and Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.
But the probe was plunged into chaos in October when a string of survivors stop their roles in protest at the way it had been dealt with.
Grooming gang survivor Fiona Goddard, who was a type of to tug out, mentioned: “I’ve misplaced religion within the capability of the Government to make significant progress. That is why I made a decision to step away from their survivors panel, as they weren’t genuinely listening. I’ve extra confidence that the phrases of reference launched immediately by the Conservatives mirror the actual ideas and emotions of survivors.
“They stay true to the original purpose of the inquiry and align with the approach proposed by Baroness Louise Casey, offering a honest, transparent, and meaningful framework for the investigation. I urge the Government to adopt these terms of reference and begin making real progress on this critical issue.”
Marlon West, the daddy of a rape gang survivor, insisted that each one political events “should be able to work together to achieve positive outcomes in collaboration”.
He mentioned: “Once in a lifetime, an inquiry comes alongside that would change how our Government protects British youngsters. It is crucial that that is carried out totally and accurately. Kemi’s phrases of reference adequately meet these necessities, and as a father of a survivor, I hope that is recognised. Not for political factors, however for the security of our kids.”
A Labour Party spokesperson said: “The exploitation of kids by grooming gangs is an appalling scandal and this Labour Government is set to ship justice for victims and survivors of this vile criminality.
“This Labour Government accepted all the recommendations from Baroness Casey’s report and we are committed to a full, statutory, national inquiry to uncover the truth.
“It will likely be strong, rigorous and laser focussed on grooming gangs, and its scope is not going to change.
“The inquiry will direct and oversee local investigations, with the power to compel witnesses and summon evidence. And it will explicitly examine the background, ethnicity and culture of offenders.”
https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/2143399/kemi-badenoch-grooming-gangs-labour