UK Launches National Inquiry into Grooming Gangs

Prime Minister Keir Starmer orders statutory investigation following audit findings and public pressure

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a full statutory inquiry into the UK's long-standing child sexual exploitation scandal involving grooming gangs.

The decision follows a recommendation from Baroness Louise Casey, who conducted a comprehensive audit revealing systemic failures by police and local authorities in addressing abuse cases, particularly those involving vulnerable white British girls targeted by predominantly Pakistani men.

The inquiry, to be established under the Inquiries Act, aims to investigate the scale and nature of the exploitation, with the authority to summon witnesses and examine institutional responses.

The move comes amid renewed public scrutiny and criticism from figures including U.S. tech billionaire Elon Musk, who highlighted the issue on social media.