US EditionKeir Starmer defends grooming gang inquiry during PMQs grilling after survivors quit
Kemi Badenoch questioned Keir Starmer on survivor resignations and allegations that the inquiry into grooming gangs is secretive and may downplay racial and religious factors, officials said.
- On Wednesday, Kemi Badenoch, Conservative leader, challenged Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at PMQs on behalf of Fiona Goddard and pressed him about the survivors' resignations.
- After internal disputes, four survivors including Fiona Goddard and Ellie-Ann Reynolds quit the victims and survivors panel, citing secretive conduct and manipulation in Monday’s resignation letters.
- The shortlist for chair included a social worker and an ex-police chief, roles that alarmed survivors; Annie Hudson withdrew, leaving Jim Gamble to meet remaining panellists.
- Sir Keir reassured the Commons the inquiry's scope will not be diluted and announced Dame Louise Casey's support, while Fiona Goddard said, `It is a blatant lie for Jess Phillips to suggest... there has been possibility or conversation around 'expanding the scope beyond grooming gangs'.`
- Consultation documents asked whether the inquiry should take a broader approach beyond grooming gangs, raising debate as survivors feared downplaying racial and religious motives despite Dame Louise Casey citing local police data in three force areas.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Grooming gangs: Kemi accuses Labour of a 'cover up'
We’ve just had PMQs, which have become much more interesting now that Kemi Badenoch has got her act together. She led on the Grooming Gangs Inquiry after a fourth survivor quit the inquiry over fears that it’s being watered down. She went as far as to say that the government is in a ‘briefing war
‘They had 14 years’: Keir Starmer points out Tories’ failure to act on grooming gangs scandal
Kemi Badenoch tried to weaponise the grooming gangs scandal at Prime Minister’s Questions again today. The Tory leader questioned Keir Starmer over the resignation of four survivors from the government’s grooming gang panel this week. Quoting one survivor, Fiona, Badenoch said: “‘Being dismissed and contradicted by a minister when you’re telling the truth takes you right back to that feeling of not being believed all over again. What’s the point…
The Independent
The Independent (US)Baroness Casey hauled in to save grooming gangs inquiry after four survivors quit
It comes as four survivors quit the probe citing concerns
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