Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has insisted that a national inquiry into grooming gangs must consider ethnicity and religion, rejecting government attempts to widen its scope. Speaking at a press conference, Badenoch said the inquiry should be time-limited and investigate councils, police, and government if necessary.
Badenoch cited Baroness Louise Casey's report, which noted that many perpetrators are of Asian and Pakistani ethnicity. She argued that downplaying ethnicity lets down victims and society. The shadow home secretary, Chris Philp, urged ministers to adopt Tory-drafted terms of reference focusing on non-familial abuse with a two-year limit.
The government's inquiry has stalled since Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced it in June. The final two candidates to chair it withdrew in October amid rows over their police and social services links. A victim liaison panel also quit, accusing ministers of widening the remit to include other child sexual abuse.
Miners have enlisted Lady Casey to assist, but acknowledged a chair may not be appointed for months. Philp said the Tory terms would ensure a two-year limit and focus on ethnicity and religion.
