In a major shift of stance, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that he will support a full national inquiry into grooming gangs operating across the UK—a move that signals a serious step toward justice for thousands of victims.
For years, survivors and campaigners have called for a statutory review into the horrific sexual exploitation crimes committed by organized grooming gangs, many of which came to light over a decade ago. These gangs, often composed of mostly Pakistani men, were found to have abused, trafficked, and raped young white girls, shaking the public’s faith in law enforcement and social services.
Despite the mounting pressure, Starmer and his government initially resisted calls for a formal investigation, choosing instead to rely on ongoing local reviews and enforcement actions. But that changed this weekend.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Starmer revealed that he has personally read every word of a critical new report from Louise Casey, a respected former senior government official, who had been tasked by Interior Minister Yvette Cooper earlier this year to conduct a “rapid audit” of gang-related child exploitation in Britain.
“Her position when she started the audit was that there wasn’t a real need for a national inquiry,” Starmer said. “But based on the evidence she reviewed, she now believes a full inquiry is necessary—and I agree.”
Starmer’s announcement comes amid renewed global attention on the issue. Earlier this year, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk reignited the debate by publicly criticizing the UK government for what he perceived as past inaction, further fueling public demand for transparency and accountability.
While the Prime Minister didn’t offer a timeline for the launch of the inquiry, the decision marks a significant policy reversal and opens the door to a deeper examination of how police, social workers, and local authorities may have failed victims or turned a blind eye to abuse due to cultural sensitivities or institutional fear.
This long-overdue step has been welcomed by many survivors who have spent years demanding justice and acknowledgment. For them, the hope is not just about reckoning with the past, but also preventing future generations from enduring the same horrors.
