UK PM Keir Starmer Backs National Inquiry Into Grooming Gangs After Public Pressure

LONDON | June 15, 2025 —British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Saturday announced his support for a full national inquiry into the grooming gang scandals that rocked the United Kingdom over a decade ago, marking a significant shift in position after previously resisting calls for a statutory investigation.

The announcement comes in the wake of mounting political and public pressure, including recent criticism by U.S. billionaire Elon Musk, who used his social media platform X to draw renewed attention to the long-standing issue. Responding to a post thanking him for highlighting the scandal, Musk said he was “glad to hear this is happening.”

The grooming gang scandals revealed the systemic sexual abuse of thousands of vulnerable girls—predominantly white and working-class—by gangs composed largely of men of Pakistani heritage. Investigations over the years have pointed to institutional failings by police and local authorities, with allegations that fears of being labelled racist prevented timely intervention.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper had commissioned former senior civil servant Dame Louise Casey earlier this year to conduct a “rapid audit” into the prevalence and nature of gang-based sexual exploitation across the UK.

According to a report by Sky News on Saturday, Casey’s findings are expected to conclude that white British girls were “institutionally ignored” by authorities due to concerns over racial sensitivity.

Speaking en route to the G7 summit in Canada, Prime Minister Starmer told reporters that Casey initially did not believe a national inquiry was necessary—but changed her stance after completing the audit.

“Louise Casey has now come to the view that there should be a national inquiry based on what she has seen,” Starmer said. “I have read every word of her report, and I will accept her recommendation.”

The shift was met with both praise and criticism. Kemi Badenoch, leader of the opposition Conservative Party, welcomed the move but questioned the timing.

“I’ve been repeatedly calling for a full national inquiry since January,” Badenoch said. “Many survivors of grooming gangs will be relieved this is finally happening. But they deserve justice and resolution soon—not in another decade.”

The timeline and structure of the inquiry are expected to be outlined in the coming weeks, with survivors and advocacy groups calling for swift and transparent action.