Kemi Badenoch unveils alternative grooming gangs inquiry
Kemi Badenoch will today unveil an alternative grooming gangs inquiry which focuses on the religion and ethnicity of attackers, reports BritPanorama.
The Conservative leader has drafted a proposed remit for the Government’s probe, which has yet to commence. Survivors have accused ministers of dragging their feet on the investigation and diluting its scope, as concerns continue to grow regarding the handling of this sensitive issue.
Some victims have expressed dissatisfaction with ongoing processes, specifically that the inquiry may be extended beyond the scope of the rape gangs scandal where predominantly white girls were targeted by mainly South Asian men. Several individuals have left the victims’ panel, claiming their concerns have not been adequately addressed by safeguarding minister Jess Phillips and others involved.
Badenoch’s proposed terms of reference includes a commitment to examine “whether offenders display shared religious, ethnic, national, family or clan characteristics.” She emphasized the importance of aligning the inquiry with survivor expectations, saying, “This is about survivors and what they want.”
The mention of religious and ethnic links has ignited debate, with some survivors arguing that these factors should be included to ensure a comprehensive examination of the issues at hand. Endorsing Badenoch’s initiative, grooming survivor Fiona Goddard stated, “I have lost faith in the ability of the Government to make meaningful progress.”
Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer had previously responded to public demand by calling for a national grooming gang inquiry last summer, yet six months later, an official terms of reference has not been released. A Home Office spokesman commented on the situation, stating, “The abuse of children by grooming gangs is one of the most horrific crimes. We will do everything in our power to ensure these crimes never happen again.”
This inquiry, along with the wider debate around grooming gangs, underscores critical conversations regarding accountability and justice for survivors, bringing to light the need for effective government action in addressing these heinous crimes.
The developments surrounding this inquiry highlight the intricate balance between political action and social trust. As the government moves forward, scrutiny will focus on whether this revised approach can foster the necessary transparency and effectiveness that survivors and communities demand.
