Sir Keir Starmer confirmed he would implement the central recommendation from an independent audit led by Baroness Louise Casey into the scale and nature of grooming gangs.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced a full national statutory inquiry into group-based child sexual exploitation in England and Wales, marking a significant U-turn following months of mounting political pressure and public concern.
Speaking ahead of his departure for the G7 summit in Canada, Sir Keir confirmed he would implement the central recommendation from an independent audit led by Baroness Louise Casey into the scale and nature of grooming gangs. The review found existing investigations had not gone far enough and called for a national, statutory-level inquiry with full powers under the Inquiries Act.
“I’ve read every single word of her report,” said Starmer. “She’s come to the view that there should be a national inquiry based on what she’s seen, and I’m going to accept that recommendation. I think that’s the right thing to do.”
The decision means a new inquiry will be legally empowered to compel witnesses to give evidence and to demand documentation—something survivors and campaigners have long argued is necessary to uncover institutional failures, cover-ups, and cultural blind spots surrounding grooming gangs and child exploitation.
A Change of Heart
The prime minister’s move follows sharp criticism over his initial reluctance to back such an inquiry. In January, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced five localised probes—one in Oldham and four more in unnamed areas—and a rapid three-month audit led by Baroness Casey instead of a national process. At the time, ministers argued a previous seven-year investigation chaired by Professor Alexis Jay had already examined the issue thoroughly.
However, Baroness Casey—who initially did not advocate for another full inquiry—shifted her position after conducting the audit. Her new findings, based on data analysis and interviews across multiple agencies, reportedly uncovered troubling gaps in evidence gathering, inconsistent reporting, and potential systemic failures in safeguarding.
“I asked her to double-check this issue,” said Starmer. “She’s done that job for me, and having read her report… I shall now implement her recommendation.”
The government says it will now begin preparations to establish the inquiry, although the process may take some time to formally launch.
Political Reactions
The announcement was met with mixed reactions across the political spectrum. While some welcomed the decision, others said it came far too late.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch accused Starmer of indecisiveness and failing to lead on an issue of national importance.
“Keir Starmer doesn’t know what he thinks unless an official report tells him,” she said. “I’ve been repeatedly calling for a full national inquiry since January. It’s about time he recognised he made a mistake and apologised for six wasted months.”
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, also welcomed the U-turn but urged caution, warning the inquiry must not fall into the trap of institutional self-protection.
“A full statutory inquiry, done correctly, will expose the multiple failings of the British establishment,” Farage wrote on X. “I repeat the words ‘done correctly’ – this cannot be a whitewash. It’s time for victims to receive the justice they deserve and for perpetrators to face the full force of the law.”
Background and Next Steps
The debate over grooming gangs has long been fraught with tension, particularly in light of high-profile cases in Rotherham, Rochdale, and Telford. Allegations of institutional indifference, cultural sensitivities, and political caution have plagued prior investigations, prompting years of campaigning by survivors and whistleblowers for a truly independent inquiry with statutory powers.
Baroness Casey’s audit—originally expected to report within three months—was delayed, prompting an apology from Home Office Minister Jess Phillips earlier this month. The delay, she said, was due to a short extension requested by the baroness.
Now, with the report complete and the government agreeing to its principal recommendation, attention turns to the shape and scope of the upcoming inquiry.
No timeline has yet been set for when the inquiry will begin or who will chair it, but it is expected to have wide-ranging powers and a broad remit. Ministers have not confirmed whether the local inquiries previously announced will be folded into the national process or continue separately.
For survivors and campaigners, the focus is now on ensuring that the inquiry delivers truth, accountability, and lasting change.
