Kemi Badenoch urges a national inquiry into the UK’s rape gangs amid growing concerns
Cornwall: There’s been a lot of chatter lately about a serious issue. Kemi Badenoch, the opposition leader, is pushing for a national inquiry into the UK’s so-called “rape gangs scandal.” This comes after a minister turned down requests for a public inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Oldham. Badenoch took to X to say that a public inquiry into these organized grooming gangs is way overdue.
Labour’s safeguarding minister, Jess Phillips, acknowledged the strong feelings around this issue. However, she mentioned that the Government won’t step in. In a letter to Oldham Council, she stated that it’s up to them to decide if they want to commission an inquiry into local child sexual exploitation.
The Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse wrapped up its final report in 2022. It described the abuse of children as an epidemic, leaving countless victims in its wake. This inquiry, led by Professor Alexis Jay, looked into organized group abuse after several convictions across the UK from 2010 to 2014, including in places like Cornwall and Rotherham.
One of the most notorious cases in Cornwall involved two men who were jailed in 2012 for being part of a paedophile ring in St Ives. They were involved in some truly horrific abuse of young girls.
Elon Musk even chimed in, saying that Phillips “deserves to be in prison” for her response to Oldham Council. He also pointed fingers at the Prime Minister, claiming that during Sir Keir’s time as director of public prosecutions, these gangs were allowed to exploit young girls without facing justice.
Badenoch emphasized that it’s high time for a full national inquiry into the rape gangs scandal. She pointed out that while trials have happened all over the country, no one in authority has connected the dots. She believes 2025 should be the year victims finally get justice.
Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, echoed the call for a national inquiry. He stressed the need to ensure this issue is thoroughly examined and that those responsible for not addressing it are held accountable.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4, he mentioned that the problems aren’t just in Oldham; they’re widespread in many towns and cities. He expressed disappointment over the Labour government’s silence on the matter.
An Oldham Council spokesperson stated that survivors are at the heart of their efforts to combat child sexual exploitation. They assured that whatever happens with future inquiries, the wishes of survivors will be prioritized.
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, responded to Badenoch’s post by saying that talk is cheap. He criticized the Conservatives for having 14 years in power without launching an inquiry, claiming the establishment has failed the victims of grooming gangs.
Earlier, Musk had pointed out that serious crimes like rape in the UK require the Crown Prosecution Service’s approval for police to charge suspects. He questioned who was in charge of the CPS when these gangs were allowed to operate freely.
In November, Professor Jay expressed frustration that none of the 20 recommendations from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse had been acted upon more than two years after its conclusion. She stressed the need for public understanding of this difficult subject.
Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe also called for an inquiry, saying the issue has been ignored for too long. He believes the public should see the extent of the horror and that the Government should release all relevant details.
Lowe raised questions about what the Home Office is doing to prevent ongoing grooming and exploitation of young girls. He wants to know how many girls are still involved with these gangs and if there will be a breakdown of the nationalities of those convicted.
The Home Office has been contacted for comments on this pressing issue.
