Reform UK leader claims government is deliberately undermining investigation into historic abuse scandal
The leader of Reform UK has accused Keir Starmer’s Labour government of attempting to delay or derail a comprehensive investigation into grooming gang crimes that affected thousands of young British girls across multiple English towns and cities.
The controversy centers on what has been described as a decades-long failure by Labour-controlled local authorities and police forces to address systematic abuse carried out predominantly by gangs of Pakistani-heritage men. Critics argue this represents one of the most significant safeguarding failures in modern British history.
Timeline of the Inquiry
According to Farage’s account, the Prime Minister initially resisted calls for a national inquiry. In January, Labour MPs voted against establishing such an investigation in Parliament. The government reversed course only after sustained public pressure and findings detailed in a report by Baroness Louise Casey.
Four months after announcing the inquiry, no chair has been appointed and its scope remains under discussion, raising questions about whether conclusions will be reached before the next general election.
Victims’ Concerns
Four survivors who were part of the victims’ advisory panel have reportedly resigned, expressing concern that the inquiry’s focus is being diluted beyond the specific issue of grooming gangs. There are additional concerns about the suitability of shortlisted candidates to chair the inquiry, with some fearing that former police and social services officials might create conflicts of interest.
The resigning survivors described feeling the process was controlled and predetermined, suggesting their input was not being genuinely considered. Safeguarding minister Jess Phillips’ response to these concerns has drawn criticism for appearing dismissive of the survivors’ experiences.
London Allegations
New allegations have emerged regarding London Mayor Sadiq Khan, with claims that evidence of grooming gang activity in the capital was not properly acknowledged despite official reports. Khan’s office and the Metropolitan Police have previously maintained that London did not experience the same organized abuse patterns seen in northern cities like Rotherham and Rochdale.
Farage characterizes these developments as indicative of systemic moral failure within the current government.
