The Prime Minister has insisted that the grooming gangs inquiry must investigate cold cases amid allegations of a cover-up by London’s mayor, reports BritPanorama.
Sir Sadiq Khan was previously accused of undermining victims when he denied that rape gangs were operating in the capital earlier this year.
In response, Scotland Yard has initiated a review of 8,000 historical sex abuse cases to determine if any pertain to grooming gangs.
In a statement made during his visit to South Africa for the G20 summit, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer remarked, “I think the national inquiry can cover this, and the approach we’ve taken is no stone unturned.” He emphasized the importance of investigating all cases, whether old or recent, and prioritizing those with available evidence that warrants police attention.
Starmer asserted, “Because my strong view is in these cases that if there’s evidence to put people before criminal courts that is the first step that should be taken.”
The national inquiry has faced challenges, notably when several victims opted out last month, claiming a lack of confidence in the process.
Nigel Farage has accused Khan of “denying the existence” of grooming gangs in London and suggested that significant issues remain unaddressed. The leader of Reform UK mentioned that the “last great grooming scandal” could still be uncovered in the capital.
Political parties, including the Conservatives, have criticized Khan for allegedly ignoring warnings regarding the presence of grooming gangs in London.
As the inquiry unfolds, stakeholders continue to demand accountability and transparent investigation into historical and current cases of grooming, an issue that remains a sensitive topic in UK society.
This ongoing situation highlights the complexities surrounding the investigation of historical crimes and the necessity of addressing systemic failures in order to restore faith in justice for victims.
