Local inquiries, such as those in Rotherham and Telford, revealed widespread abuse over decades, with many perpetrators from British Pakistani and South Asian communities. Badenoch suggested the government was avoiding scrutiny of Labour politicians who may have been complicit in past failures to act…reports Asian Lite News
A Conservative push for a national inquiry into grooming gangs was defeated in Parliament, with MPs voting 364 to 111 against the proposal, a margin of 253 votes. The amendment, attached to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, would have derailed the flagship legislation had it passed.
Earlier in the day, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch argued that failing to launch an inquiry could lead to accusations of a “cover-up.” However, Prime Minister Keir Starmer maintained that multiple inquiries had already investigated the issue and that another probe would delay the justice and action sought by victims.
Labour’s commanding majority meant the amendment was unlikely to pass. Prime Minister Starmer criticized Conservative MPs for attempting to block the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which includes measures to protect children, regulate home-schooling, and reform academies. Starmer labeled the move as “shocking” and accused Badenoch of “weak leadership.”
“Reasonable people could agree or disagree on a fresh probe,” Starmer said, acknowledging mixed views among victims. He added that Badenoch had shown little prior interest in the issue, saying, “I can’t recall her once raising this in the House or calling for a national inquiry.”
Conservative Response
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp condemned Labour’s stance, calling it “morally wrong.” Philp defended the Conservatives’ move, saying: “When you’re in opposition, you must use every parliamentary tool to highlight critical issues. We must have this inquiry to keep victims at the forefront of the debate.”
Badenoch argued for a comprehensive investigation, noting the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, which concluded in 2022, did not focus specifically on grooming gangs. She emphasized the need to examine whether “racial and cultural motivations” were factors in the crimes.
Local inquiries, such as those in Rotherham and Telford, revealed widespread abuse over decades, with many perpetrators from British Pakistani and South Asian communities. Badenoch suggested the government was avoiding scrutiny of Labour politicians who may have been complicit in past failures to act.
Divisive Debate
The debate gained further attention after Elon Musk, tech billionaire and adviser to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, accused Starmer of being “complicit in the rape of Britain.” Musk urged MPs to back the inquiry, posting on social media: “Hundreds of thousands of little girls in Britain who were, and still are, being systematically, horrifically gang-raped deserve justice.”
Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips defended the government’s approach, citing the effectiveness of locally-led inquiries like the one in Telford. She emphasized that victims’ views remain central, stating: “If the victims tell me they want a national inquiry, I’ll listen to them.”
Downing Street echoed this sentiment, saying engagement with victims’ groups showed a preference for action over another inquiry, though the prime minister remains “open-minded.”
Political Fallout
Labour accused the Conservatives of exploiting the issue for political gain, with education spokesperson Munira Wilson warning the amendment would “kill crucial child protection measures.” Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, supported the amendment but criticized Conservative sincerity on the issue. Farage suggested his party might fund an independent investigation if the government refuses to act.
The vote leaves the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill intact, enabling the government to move forward with its child protection reforms while the debate over a new inquiry into grooming gangs continues to polarize Westminster.
ALSO READ-King, Starmer honour former US president Jimmy Carter
