UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to launch a national inquiry into grooming gangs, following recommendations from independent report author Louise Casey. The inquiry will examine the scale and extent of grooming gangs, as well as their impact on victims.
The move comes after months-long investigation by Casey, which found an “archaic culture of sexism, bullying and discomfort around race” in Rotherham. Starmer has accepted Casey’s recommendation to implement a national inquiry, saying it is the “right thing to do”.
Casey initially believed there was no need for a national inquiry, but changed her mind after reviewing evidence. The inquiry will be statutory under the Inquiries Act, and its timeline will be set out in an orderly way.
The announcement comes amid pressure from ministers and victims’ groups, who have long called for a full investigation into grooming gangs. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has welcomed the move, saying it is about time Starmer acknowledged his previous mistake.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/jun/14/keir-starmer-national-inquiry-grooming-gangs