Labour MPs have been ordered to vote against a proposed national inquiry into the grooming gangs scandal, sparking outrage from campaigners, survivors, and senior Conservatives.
Critics accuse Keir Starmer of turning his back on victims of some of Britain’s most horrific crimes.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has tabled an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill today, calling for a full inquiry into the grooming scandal that has plagued towns across the UK.
The Conservative Leader said: “I was serious when I said it’s time to get justice for victims. So on Wednesday, Conservatives will put forward an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing Bill to require a full national inquiry into the rape gangs grooming scandal. If the amendment is selected, I hope MPs from all parties will vote to support the inquiry, so we can do right by the victims and end the culture of cover ups.”
But Labour MPs have been whipped to block the move, with Starmer’s camp claiming the proposal could derail the entire Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.
“Total Moral Cowardice”
Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, didn’t mince his words. “The Labour party announcing they will whip their MPs to vote against a national inquiry into this scandal is total moral cowardice from Keir Starmer and his Labour party. The victims of these heinous child rape gangs deserve honesty, and they deserve the truth.”
He said many towns had not been looked into and “local inquiries don’t have the legal powers to compel production of evidence”.
“Labour’s decision risks perpetuating the cover-up of the rape gangs,” Mr Philp said.
Critics say Labour’s decision risks keeping the cover-up alive, ignoring survivors who continue to demand answers.
Downing Street Dodges
Meanwhile, Downing Street claimed the amendment could “destroy” the Children’s Wellbeing Bill. A Government spokesman argued: “Passing this amendment would involve rejecting the entire Bill. That means voting against safeguarding measures for vulnerable children and capping school uniform costs.”
Labour also insist there’s no need for a new inquiry, pointing to the 2014 Alexis Jay report, which investigated similar crimes. But campaigners argue the Jay report focused on specific regions and doesn’t account for the scale of abuse nationwide.
Elon Musk Joins the Fight
Billionaire Elon Musk weighed in, slamming Starmer for blocking the inquiry. Musk’s comments reflect growing outrage from both the public and global observers. Survivors’ groups have called for a full, independent investigation to uncover how institutions, local councils, and law enforcement failed so catastrophically.
Claire Bullivant, editor of the Conservative Post, has applied to launch a petition demanding a national inquiry. She said: “Victims have endured unimaginable suffering, and an inquiry must uncover whether those entrusted with their protection—law enforcement, local councils, authorities, and political leaders—failed in their duties or deliberately suppressed investigations to avoid controversy. Only a national inquiry can deliver full accountability, justice for survivors, and the systemic reforms needed to ensure such failures are never repeated.”
“Justice Will Prevail”
A high profile supporter of Bullivant’s petition said: “An inquiry will come, whether Keir Starmer likes it or not. Even if it’s in 2029, justice will prevail. We’ll come for them, their pensions, and all.”
The battle for justice continues, with campaigners insisting the victims deserve more than excuses and delays. Will Labour’s stance backfire with the public? Watch this space.
