Story perspectives

Expert Urges Inquiry into Scotland's Grooming Gangs Crisis

12/3/2025

Summary

Story summary

Professor Alexis Jay, a leading child abuse expert, calls for an urgent inquiry into grooming gangs in Scotland.
The call follows survivors’ testimonies and mounting pressure on First Minister John Swinney.
Critics say Police Scotland should not conduct the review alone due to conflicts of interest.
Scottish Labour plans independent oversight of the review.
Jay urges understanding the scale of exploitation to inform future actions and adopt prior recommendations.

History

Historical Context

Established in 2014, the Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse in England aimed to address systemic failures in child protection, revealing over 1,400 abuse victims in Rotherham. This inquiry's findings prompted calls for similar investigations, such as Professor Alexis Jay's recent request for an inquiry into grooming gangs in Scotland, underscoring the ongoing need for accountability and reform in child protection policies across the UK.

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Story summary

Professor Alexis Jay, a leading child abuse expert, calls for an urgent inquiry into grooming gangs in Scotland.
The call follows survivors’ testimonies and mounting pressure on First Minister John Swinney.
Critics say Police Scotland should not conduct the review alone due to conflicts of interest.
Scottish Labour plans independent oversight of the review.
Jay urges understanding the scale of exploitation to inform future actions and adopt prior recommendations.

1 / 2