UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Greater Manchester Mayor would back a national inquiry into grooming gangs if initiated by the government, after pressure from figures like Elon Musk.
Andy Burnham talked about a review he began in 2017 after taking office into the grooming crisis in Manchester, which is still going on.
Mr Burnham stated,
“Nobody has turned away, we have faced up directly to the failings and, as a result of the review… there have been arrests, charges and convictions.”
With the growing criticisms from the Conservatives, Reform UK, and influential personalities such as Elon Musk for the British Prime Minister to launch a national inquiry into grooming gangs, Andy Burnham spoke at BBC Radio 4 that he would not oppose a new review if it was considered needed.
Some critics argue that a national inquiry led by Professor Alexis Jay already took place, but none of the 2022 suggestions has been put into action.
Mr Burnham highlighted Professor Jay’s decision to separate herself from the push for supporting a new national investigation, urging Labour to establish a “clear timeline” for implementing the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) recommendations.
The Act on IICSA campaign group led by Ms Jay urged against “politicizing” sexual abuse and condemned the “misinformation” circulating regarding the issue.
The IICSA, established in 2015, examined grooming gangs and violence in educational and religious institutions, releasing 20 suggestions in 2020 to enhance child protection.
On Sunday, Act on IICSA released a statement, stating, “Politicising the issue of sexual violence fails to acknowledge its lifelong impact and hinders the implementation of the vital and urgent overhaul to our systems required.”
Prof. Jay said,
“Our mission is not to call for new inquiries but to advocate for the full implementation of IICSA’s recommendations.”
While the Labour government has pledged to carry out the IICSA’s recommendations.
One spokesperson from the Home Office stated,
“No child should suffer abuse or exploitation, and we must do more to protect vulnerable children. That’s why we’re working swiftly across government to implement the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse’s recommendations.”
Greater Manchester Mayor, on Monday morning, stated, “There is a case for a relentless focus, and I understand when people say things because feelings run very high, understandably so, on the issue. But it is about dealing with it in a relentless way.”
Mr Burnham added, “There was a public inquiry, and I know the head of that inquiry has said the recommendations she made should have been implemented by the last government and should be implemented now.”
The IICSA examined violence by organized groups after numerous convictions for child sexual offences across Britain from 2010 to 2014, in locations like Rotherham and Rochdale, and called the abuse an “epidemic” affecting thousands of lives.
The investigation previously conducted by Professor Jay examined the abuse of nearly 1,400 children in Rotherham between 1997 to 2013, primarily involving Pakistani men.
Kemi Badenoch’s move for a national inquiry into the UK’s “rape gangs scandal” comes after Jess Phillips, a Home Office minister, rejected calls to lead a public investigation into child sexual violence in Oldham.
Ms Badenoch described a review “long overdue,” even though the Tory party had earlier refused a similar appeal from Oldham council during its time in government.
The Tesla owner and a close ally of the newly elected president of the US, Mr Musk criticized Keir Starmer and Jess Phillips for grooming gangs inquiry. He stated Ms Phillip “deserves to be in prison,” after she rejected Oldham Council’s request.
In response, Health Secretary Wes Streeting criticized Elon Musk’s remarks about the safeguarding minister as a “disgraceful smear.”
While adding more pressure on the Labour government, the Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage, has promised to launch an independent investigation into grooming gangs if they get power in the next election.
Sir Keir Starmer is set to face scrutiny over his record on the grooming gangs matter during a Q&A after his talk on the NHS this Monday.