Story perspectives

Criticism Mounts as Grooming Inquiry Faces Major Setbacks

12/12/2025

Center

Inquiry Under Scrutiny

The inquiry into grooming gangs in England and Wales faced criticism, with Chris Philp criticizing past inaction.
Kemi Badenoch emphasized a thorough investigation including ethnicity and religion.
Survivors have withdrawn from the inquiry due to concerns over its scope.
Scottish Conservatives demand the resignation of Justice Secretary Angela Constance for allegedly misleading Parliament about inquiry's progress.
Baroness Casey warned appointing a chair could take months, highlighting divisions among parties.

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Longfield Leads Inquiry

Online child sexual abuse in England and Wales rose 26% in the year, with 122,768 offenses in 2024.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council says online abuse is the fastest-growing threat and urges platforms to strengthen protections.
Anne Longfield, former children's commissioner, leads the grooming gangs inquiry, examining systemic failures and ethnicity in these crimes.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasizes accountability for victims while noting uncertainties around the inquiry’s scope.

History

Historical Context

The Rotherham child sexual exploitation scandal, revealed in 2014, involved the abuse of approximately 1,400 children between 1997 and 2013, primarily by British-Pakistani men. An independent inquiry led by Professor Alexis Jay highlighted systemic failures across agencies, prompting national outrage and calls for accountability. Ongoing scrutiny reflects concerns about ethnic factors in these crimes and the need for improved protections for vulnerable children.

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Inquiry Under Scrutiny

The inquiry into grooming gangs in England and Wales faced criticism, with Chris Philp criticizing past inaction.
Kemi Badenoch emphasized a thorough investigation including ethnicity and religion.
Survivors have withdrawn from the inquiry due to concerns over its scope.
Scottish Conservatives demand the resignation of Justice Secretary Angela Constance for allegedly misleading Parliament about inquiry's progress.
Baroness Casey warned appointing a chair could take months, highlighting divisions among parties.

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