Starmer and his administration initially considered the inquiry unnecessary due to previous investigations into individual instances.
Upon reviewing the audit results led by Louise Casey, a House of Lords member, Starmer decided to reverse his stance.
“Based on her examination of the material, Casey concluded that a national inquiry is warranted,” Starmer stated. “I have reviewed every word of her report and will adhere to her recommendation.”
The prime minister hastened to announce this after The Times reported Saturday morning that Casey’s report advocated for a comprehensive public inquiry.
Over the last 15 years, numerous incidents of underage working-class girls being exploited by grooming gangs have been reported in U.K. towns. Most prominent cases, such as in Rotherham and Rochdale, involved young men of Pakistani descent.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch criticized Starmer for not initiating a thorough investigation earlier and urged for the inquiry to proceed swiftly.
“Survivors of these grooming gangs may feel relief that action is being taken, but they need swift resolution, not prolonged delay,” she stated on Saturday. “Justice delayed is justice denied.”
UK Reform Leader Nigel Farage regarded Starmer’s decision as a “welcome U-turn.”
“A properly conducted full statutory inquiry will reveal the multiple failures of the British establishment. I stress properly conducted, not a superficial examination,” he stated. “Victims deserve justice, and perpetrators must face the law’s full consequences.”
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