Cross-Party Coalition Calls for National Grooming Gangs Inquiry

There is growing cross-party support in the UK for a full national statutory inquiry into the grooming gangs scandal, with campaigners, MPs from Labour, Conservative, and Reform UK parties, and public figures such as Nigel Farage and Labour peer Lord Glasman backing the move. Reform UK has pledged to include such an inquiry in its next election manifesto, promising legislation with powers to compel witness testimony if Labour does not act. Shadow Policing Minister Matt Vickers and other Conservative figures have echoed calls for immediate action, emphasizing the need for accountability for both perpetrators and those accused of covering up the crimes. The campaign group Crush Crime has prepared a draft bill for the inquiry, reflecting frustration over perceived governmental inaction and cover-ups. Despite rising pressure, the current Labour government has thus far rejected calls for a national inquiry, instead relying on local reviews and awaiting the findings of an audit led by Baroness Casey. Home Office Minister Jess Phillips has indicated the government may expand local inquiries, but campaigners insist a national approach is necessary to deliver justice and end the 'cover-up culture.'