UK Denies Musk's Influence on Grooming Gangs Inquiry
Government Initiates Review Amidst Social Media Pressure, Clarifying the Role of Influences
The UK government has firmly denied that recent inquiries into grooming gangs were initiated due to pressure from billionaire Elon Musk.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy rejected the notion that Musk’s persistent calls on his social media platform X for a fresh national inquiry into child sexual exploitation had influenced the government’s decision.
In recent weeks, Musk utilized his platform to criticize the government’s handling of child sexual exploitation cases, prompting widespread discussion.
Despite these calls, the government announced a nationwide review of grooming gang evidence and five local, government-backed inquiries.
Data protection minister Sir Chris Bryant acknowledged that Musk’s comments had contributed to heightened debate on the issue but maintained that these discussions did not drive government actions.
Speaking on the BBC’s Question Time, Bryant stated that the discourse over the past two weeks had undoubtedly accelerated the government’s response but reaffirmed that their initiatives were not dictated by social media dynamics.
Nandy emphasized on BBC Breakfast that the government’s measures, particularly those outlined in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, were pre-existing commitments that did not stem from social media influence.
Nandy highlighted the efforts already undertaken prior to the recent social media discussions and stressed the significance of voices from victims that had propelled successive inquiries over the years.
During a visit to Poland, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reiterated that the government’s actions were driven by longstanding commitments to victim support and not external pressures.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper introduced a £10 million fund to combat grooming gangs and child sexual abuse, comprising a three-month national audit led by Baroness Louise Casey and localized reviews led by Tom Crowther in Oldham and four other yet-to-be-disclosed areas.
Cooper avoided launching a statutory national inquiry, as had been demanded by several political figures, but her announcement marked a notable policy shift.
Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp criticized the government’s approach as insufficient and urged for a comprehensive national inquiry.
Philp expressed concerns regarding the limited powers of local inquiries to compel witness testimony under oath.
Musk’s interventions have presented political challenges for the Labour government.
As an influential advisor to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and a figure opposing Labour, Musk’s comments created tensions, particularly regarding remarks targeting safeguarding minister Jess Phillips and accusations against Sir Keir Starmer from his tenure as director of public prosecutions.
Following the government’s announcement, Musk remarked on his platform, X, expressing hope for a proper investigation and stating, 'This is a step in the right direction, but the results will speak for themselves.'
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy rejected the notion that Musk’s persistent calls on his social media platform X for a fresh national inquiry into child sexual exploitation had influenced the government’s decision.
In recent weeks, Musk utilized his platform to criticize the government’s handling of child sexual exploitation cases, prompting widespread discussion.
Despite these calls, the government announced a nationwide review of grooming gang evidence and five local, government-backed inquiries.
Data protection minister Sir Chris Bryant acknowledged that Musk’s comments had contributed to heightened debate on the issue but maintained that these discussions did not drive government actions.
Speaking on the BBC’s Question Time, Bryant stated that the discourse over the past two weeks had undoubtedly accelerated the government’s response but reaffirmed that their initiatives were not dictated by social media dynamics.
Nandy emphasized on BBC Breakfast that the government’s measures, particularly those outlined in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, were pre-existing commitments that did not stem from social media influence.
Nandy highlighted the efforts already undertaken prior to the recent social media discussions and stressed the significance of voices from victims that had propelled successive inquiries over the years.
During a visit to Poland, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reiterated that the government’s actions were driven by longstanding commitments to victim support and not external pressures.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper introduced a £10 million fund to combat grooming gangs and child sexual abuse, comprising a three-month national audit led by Baroness Louise Casey and localized reviews led by Tom Crowther in Oldham and four other yet-to-be-disclosed areas.
Cooper avoided launching a statutory national inquiry, as had been demanded by several political figures, but her announcement marked a notable policy shift.
Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp criticized the government’s approach as insufficient and urged for a comprehensive national inquiry.
Philp expressed concerns regarding the limited powers of local inquiries to compel witness testimony under oath.
Musk’s interventions have presented political challenges for the Labour government.
As an influential advisor to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and a figure opposing Labour, Musk’s comments created tensions, particularly regarding remarks targeting safeguarding minister Jess Phillips and accusations against Sir Keir Starmer from his tenure as director of public prosecutions.
Following the government’s announcement, Musk remarked on his platform, X, expressing hope for a proper investigation and stating, 'This is a step in the right direction, but the results will speak for themselves.'
