Prime Minister Orders Statutory Inquiry into Grooming Scandal

In a significant move aimed at delivering justice and restoring public trust, the Prime Minister has announced a full statutory inquiry into the large-scale grooming scandals that have rocked communities across the United Kingdom. The decision marks a pivotal shift from previous non-statutory reviews and reflects growing pressure from victims, campaigners, and parliamentarians for a more robust and transparent investigation.

Background

Over the past two decades, numerous towns and cities across England—such as Rotherham, Rochdale, Telford, and Oxford—have seen grooming gangs systematically exploit vulnerable children, often with the authorities failing to respond adequately. Investigations and media exposés revealed that victims, mostly girls from disadvantaged backgrounds, were sexually abused by groups of men, often from tightly-knit communities, over extended periods. Many survivors have spoken of being disbelieved, blamed, or dismissed when seeking help.

While previous inquiries—such as the Jay Report in Rotherham and the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA)—shed light on these failings, critics have argued that the state’s response has been inconsistent, underpowered, and too fragmented to result in genuine accountability.

What is a Statutory Inquiry?

A statutory inquiry, established under the Inquiries Act 2005, is legally bound to investigate issues of public concern. Unlike a non-statutory review, it has the power to compel witnesses to give evidence under oath and produce documents. Its findings carry considerable authority and can lead to significant policy or legislative changes.

Why Now?

The Prime Minister stated that the decision was made to “ensure that the truth is uncovered, wherever it leads, and that no victim is ever ignored again.” The move comes in response to mounting concerns that previous efforts lacked sufficient legal powers to get to the heart of the matter and hold those responsible—whether individuals or institutions—to account.

There has also been increasing criticism that some previous investigations failed to address cultural sensitivities or fears of being perceived as racist, which may have led to reluctance by officials to act. The statutory inquiry is expected to consider whether such concerns compromised child protection efforts.

Scope and Leadership

The inquiry will be independent and chaired by a senior legal figure. Its remit will include:

• Examining institutional failings by police, local authorities, and social services.
• Investigating the role of race, religion, and political correctness in decision-making.
• Ensuring survivors’ voices are central to the process.
• Recommending systemic changes to protect children in future.

The government has committed to providing the inquiry with the resources, authority, and time needed to carry out its work thoroughly and transparently.

Reactions

Victim support groups have broadly welcomed the announcement, calling it a long-overdue step toward justice. One survivor said:

“We’ve waited years to be heard. This gives me hope that those who failed us will finally be held accountable.”

However, some campaigners caution that the inquiry must lead to concrete action, not just words.

“We don’t want another report gathering dust,” said one MP.

“We want prosecutions, reforms, and a commitment to child protection that is blind to race, class, or politics.”