Nigel Farage has declared the Government’s grooming gangs inquiry effectively stalled and urged Parliament to establish an independent commission to investigate group-based child sexual abuse.
Speaking at a London press conference, the Reform UK leader expressed frustration with the lack of progress on the inquiry promised by the Government over four months ago. He was joined by Ellie-Ann Reynolds, a survivor of child sexual abuse who recently resigned from the inquiry’s victims and survivors liaison panel.
Ms Reynolds criticized what she described as the “very controlling” approach to the Government’s investigation and stated she had lost confidence in ministers’ handling of the matter.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced plans for a full national inquiry into grooming gangs in June following sustained public pressure. However, the Home Office has yet to appoint a chair to lead the investigation. Government sources suggest the appointment process could take several more months.
The inquiry has faced multiple setbacks. Two prominent candidates—former police officer Jim Gamble and Annie Hudson, a veteran social worker—have withdrawn from consideration. Additionally, five women have left the victims liaison panel, four of whom, including Ms Reynolds, have indicated they would consider returning if safeguarding minister Jess Phillips stepped down. Meanwhile, five remaining panel members have said they would only stay if Ms Phillips continues in her role. The panel originally comprised approximately 30 survivors.
Mr Farage proposed that Parliament exercise what he termed its “extraordinary powers” to conduct its own investigation. He said he would approach House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle and contact the Home Affairs Select Committee about establishing a commission involving both Houses of Parliament.
“This presents a significant opportunity for Parliament and the Government to rebuild public trust on an issue that has troubled the nation’s conscience for over a decade,” Mr Farage stated.
He emphasized that a parliamentary inquiry would be conducted transparently and concluded within weeks or months rather than years. Such an investigation would have the authority to summon individuals suspected of involvement in covering up what he described as “one of the most shameful episodes” in British history.
Ms Reynolds explained her decision to participate in the press conference by stating she would “go to anybody that will listen, and anybody that’s going to make a change.” She recounted approaching her local Labour MP nearly a year ago, who acknowledged that local police had failed in her case but had not followed through on promised action.
“We will go to anybody that will listen, and anybody that’s going to make a change to this country,” she said, noting that young male victims of abuse receive insufficient attention in public discourse.
