Rupert Lowe MP, is spearheading a groundbreaking independent inquiry into the decades-long scandal of rape gangs across the UK—an effort that has received unprecedented public support.
Backed by over 18,000 contributors so far, his crowdfunded campaign has now raised £570,000 as of Saturday afternoon, making it the largest political crowdfunder in British history.
In a time of widespread financial strain, the scale of the response has struck a chord across the nation. Supporters say it reflects a public hunger for accountability that has long been denied.
“For so many people to give what they can, during such a difficult time economically, is truly inspiring,” said a spokesperson for the campaign. “It sends a clear message: the British public wants real answers and meaningful justice.”
Click here to Contribute
Lowe took to X (formerly Twitter) this morning to reiterate the driving mission of the inquiry and deliver a scathing critique of the institutions and individuals who, in his view, allowed the abuse to persist.
“Not one person has been convicted for covering up the rape gangs,” he wrote. “In my view, those who knew, and failed to act, are as guilty as the rapists themselves.”
Lowe’s inquiry seeks to confront what he describes as systemic cowardice and failure at every level—from police and social services to political leadership. The abuse, he says, was not only widespread but deliberately ignored due to political sensitivities and fear of cultural backlash.
“In certain towns, it was commonplace. In certain communities, it was rife,” Lowe stated, referring specifically to tight-knit Pakistani communities where many of the grooming gangs were later found to have operated. “It is simply not credible to suggest that such industrial rape could occur without other members of said community knowing about it. Thousands and thousands knew, but did nothing.”
Lowe has stressed that the inquiry will avoid both euphemism and scapegoating, instead focusing on clear legal and institutional failings. The campaign promises to examine:
- Who knew what, and when?
- Who chose silence over action?
- What were the political and legal decisions that enabled this?
- And what, if anything, can now be done about those complicit?
Among the proposed outcomes of the inquiry are the feasibility of prosecution for complicity, revocation of citizenship, and deportation where applicable—all measures Lowe argues must be on the table if Britain is to confront the “facilitation” of mass abuse head-on.
“This isn’t ‘guilt by association,’” he said. “It is facilitation. It must carry legal consequences.”
As momentum builds, Lowe’s inquiry is now being closely watched by legal observers, political commentators, and survivors alike—many of whom have spent years campaigning for justice and visibility. Whether the inquiry will result in real change remains to be seen, but what is certain is this: an uncomfortable national reckoning is finally underway. Thank you Rupert Lowe.
Contribute to the crowdfunder here: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-rape-gang-inquiry-1
Sign the petition to get the Labour Government to get behind a full, transparent, and independent national inquiry into the industrial-scale rape and grooming of young British girls here: https://petitionplatform.co.uk/petition/202
