The UK government has announced a national inquiry into organized child sex abuse, amid pressure from opposition politicians, including Elon Musk. Prime Minister Keir Starmer will accept the recommendation for a judge-led inquiry with the power to summon witnesses.
The issue has been raised by politicians on both sides of the aisle, with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Musk criticizing Starmer over his handling of similar cases in the past. However, a 2022 report found that there was no cover-up, despite “legitimate concerns” about far-right groups capitalizing on convictions.
Starmer’s government had previously asked for a review by Louise Casey, an expert on victim’s rights and social welfare, but her report has not been published yet. The Prime Minister said he would “look again” at the issue after consulting with Casey, who now recommends a national inquiry.
The decision comes after a series of local inquiries into child exploitation in cities where gangs of men were prosecuted. A seven-year inquiry under the previous Conservative government made 20 recommendations, but many have yet to be implemented.
A spokesperson for the main opposition party quickly responded, accusing those in authority of covering up the systematic rape of thousands of girls as young as 10 because the perpetrators were mainly of Pakistani origin.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/uk-hold-national-inquiry-organized-child-sexual-abuse-122847982