Labour Blocks Call for Grooming Gangs Inquiry

WORLD

By: Lusia Pio

1/11/20251 min read

Labour MPs, led by Sir Keir Starmer, voted 364 to 111 against a national inquiry into grooming gangs, sparking accusations of “cowardice.”

The grooming gangs refer to groups allegedly made up mainly of Pakistani men, accused of exploiting and sexually abusing vulnerable girls across the UK, with authorities allegedly failing to act due to fears of being labeled racist or Islamophobic.

Kemi Badenoch criticized the decision, claiming it shielded Labour politicians from scrutiny over their potential complicity during the scandal.

Sir Keir defended the move, arguing victims prioritized implementing recommendations from a 2020 independent review.

However, Labour MP Jess Phillips suggested an inquiry could still happen if victims demanded it.

Elon Musk condemned the vote as “unbelievable,” urging justice for the victims and calling the UK’s justice system “broken.”

The decision reignited debates over accountability and justice in one of Britain’s most significant exploitation scandals.