The United Kingdom will initiate a national statutory inquiry into group-based child sexual abuse following increasing political and public pressure. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Saturday, June 14th, during his trip to Canada for the G7 summit. The inquiry will focus on grooming gangs operating in England and Wales and will be conducted under the Inquiries Act, which gives it the legal authority to compel evidence and witness testimony.
Starmer’s decision came after an audit by Baroness Louise Casey, who was initially unsure whether another inquiry was needed. However, after reviewing recent data, she changed her position and recommended a formal investigation. Prime Minister Starmer stated that Casey had concluded a national inquiry was necessary based on her findings, adding that he had read the entire report and would accept her recommendation. Previously, the government had dismissed similar calls, citing the findings of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse led by Professor Alexis Jay.
The new inquiry will coordinate multiple targeted investigations across local authorities. These local reviews will proceed even if councils do not support them. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is expected to make a formal statement in Parliament, accompanied by the publication of Baroness Casey’s report. The move comes after widespread criticism over delays, which officials attributed to Casey’s request for additional time to complete her audit.
Public discourse on grooming gangs intensified earlier this year, partly due to comments made by Elon Musk. Using his X platform, Musk accused Starmer of failing to take action during his tenure as Director of Public Prosecutions, referencing cases where victims were predominantly white girls and perpetrators were often of Pakistani descent. Musk’s advocacy helped amplify calls for accountability, although the National Police Chiefs’ Council has stated that most group-based offenders are white men.
The inquiry also responds to longstanding demands from opposition parties. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK’s Nigel Farage both criticized the government for initial inaction. “It’s about time he recognized he made a mistake,” Badenoch said, while Farage called the move “a welcome U-turn.” The government has reiterated that the inquiry will be victim-focused and aimed at systemic reform.
Starmer emphasized that this initiative is not about political optics but rather about addressing institutional failures. The inquiry aims to deliver justice and identify the cultural and systemic factors that contribute to abuse.
It is expected to complement existing child protection measures under the UK Safeguarding Children framework, thereby improving safeguards for vulnerable minors.
