UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – The UK Prime Minister faces backlash from British-Indian communities for using the broad phrase “Asian grooming gangs,” calling it misleading and unfair.
While defending himself against Elon Musk’s criticism on Monday, the British PM used this word, although it is believed that most of the offenders are of Pakistani origin.
Krishna Bhan, the head of Hindu Council UK, stated, “We are dismayed that the PM chose to whitewash this heinous atrocity with the word ‘Asian.’ Our Hindu and Sikh girls were also their victims.”
As reported by The Economic Times, Jay Shah, a representative for the Friends of India Society International UK, said, “Asian means Vietnamese, Sri Lankan, Japanese, Indian, etc. Why should we be classified as part of these gangs? They should specify who they are. It’s an insult to every Asian otherwise.”
He pointed out the double standard, saying that when discussing grooming gangs, they are labelled as “Asian,” but in Kashmir-related matters, they are identified as “Indian.” He accused politicians of shielding the offenders instead of backing the victims and stated that crimes committed by Britons in Asia are not described as “European” crimes.
The Network of Sikh Organizations criticised the British prime minister, saying the use of the vague phrase “Asian grooming gangs” was extremely disheartening, adding, “Part of the problem has been a fear of not speaking openly about the ethnicity or religion of the majority of perpetrators.”
Deepa Singh, the chair of Sikh Youth UK, said, “We have rescued Sikh girls exploited and neglected in the care system who have been groomed by these gangs.”
Last week, on Thursday, the tech mogul and a close ally of newly elected President Donald Trump launched a backlash against the British government over her refusal to call for a public inquiry into the Oldham child abuse cases, and said safeguarding minister Ms Phillips “deserves to be in prison.”
The Tesla and X owner placed responsibility on Keir Starmer, arguing that “rape gangs were allowed to exploit young girls without facing justice” during the Labour leader’s time as Director of Public Prosecutions.
In response to Musk’s claim, Sir Starmer claimed he was spreading wrong information regarding child sexual violence while also defending Jess Phillips from attacks.
The Conservatives leader, Kemi Badenoch, urged for a comprehensive investigation into the sexual abuse cases.
Today, Keir Starmer is ready to oppose a national inquiry into child grooming gangs as the Tories force a vote on the proposal.
The Labour leader has ordered his MPs to reject an amendment proposed by opposition leader Ms Badenoch, which would initiate a new official inquiry. Currently, Labour’s party has a majority in the House, so the proposal is likely to be rejected.
The previous Conservative government also dismissed Oldham Council’s request for a public inquiry, arguing that it is the responsibility of local authorities to handle these investigations.
How has the government justified not initiating an inquiry?
In the Commons, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper defended her choice not to launch a public inquiry into child sex abuse while also highlighting that professionals who don’t report abuse will face criminal penalties.
According to the Home Secretary, the measure forms part of the government’s wider approach to tackling child sexual violence, also criticising the Tory Party’s managing of the matter.
A minister in Wes Streeting health’s team, Andrew Gwynne, previously took a stronger position, and recommended that Elon Musk must focus on US politics, where he is expected to advise the Trump administration on reducing federal spending.
Will an inquiry take place?
Professor Alexis Jay’s national inquiry concluded in 2022, and separate inquiries into Greater Manchester Police’s management of historical child violence cases in Manchester, Oldham, and Rochdale have already been completed.
Last November, Ms Jay said she was “frustrated” that, although the investigation had concluded, around two years had passed, and none of its 20 suggestions had been implemented.
The Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, stated the Labour government is dedicated to acting on the full set of recommendations outlined in Ms Jay’s report.