Scottish Grooming Gang Inquiry Decision Faces 18-Month Delay
A decision on whether to launch a Scottish public inquiry into grooming gangs will be delayed for more than 18 months, sparking intense fury from victims and opposition politicians. The national review of group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation, established by SNP ministers, has set an 18-month timescale for its initial two phases of work.
Phased Approach of the National Review
The first phase will focus on reporting the scale and nature of the problem, while the subsequent phase will examine necessary changes to enhance child protection measures. A comprehensive report is expected by autumn of next year. Ministers have indicated that this national review, involving multiple public protection bodies, will inform any final decision regarding the necessity of a full public inquiry.
Victim Voices and Political Criticism
One victim, referred to as 'Sarah' to protect her identity, who was groomed while residing in a children's unit in Edinburgh between ages 13 and 17, expressed deep concerns. 'In my honest opinion, the 18 months feels like a delay,' she stated. 'I worry they're hoping to do three things: let it drag on until people lose interest. If it takes long enough the public attention fades and it becomes easier to avoid a proper inquiry.'
Sarah further speculated, 'They also want to get past the elections in May. I think politicians, including the First Minister, don't want anything coming out before then that could hurt their votes. They also want to hide behind the fear of being called racist or discriminatory. Because it's such a sensitive topic, it feels like they're going extra slow so they can say, "let's wait and see if there's really anything there", even though they've already been told it's still happening.'
Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Liam Kerr strongly criticised the delay, asserting, 'If the SNP are serious about tackling child sexual exploitation, they must stop hiding behind reviews and commit to a full, independent inquiry now. John Swinney set up this review to kick the can down the road, and the question he has to answer is "why"?'
Official Statements and Timeline Details
Jackie Irvine, chief executive of the Care Inspectorate, provided details on the review's scope, stating, 'Our meeting today – with a broad range of public protection representatives – set out the full scope of the national review. We will report the joint findings and conclusions at the end of each phase, with the first one culminating in the summer.'
A Scottish Government spokesman defended the approach, explaining, 'The Scottish Government is taking determined action to establish the potential extent and scale of child sexual exploitation and abuse, heinous acts that cause significant and lasting damage. That is why we established the independent national review so we can assess the evidence base on the nature and extent of group-based child abuse and exploitation.'
The spokesman elaborated on the timeline, noting, 'As outlined by the independent Inspectorates phase one of the National Review, during which evidence will be gathered, is expected to take six months and report its findings in summer 2026. Information from the National Review, Police Scotland's ongoing work, and the advice of the National Strategic Group chaired by Professor Alexis Jay, will continue to inform advice to Ministers on whether a national inquiry on group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation is required.'
