On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer attended a reception for London Tech Week at 10 Downing Street, London. This event marked a significant moment for the tech industry, as it showcased Britain’s commitment to innovation and growth in the digital world. But it was not just about technology, as Starmer used this opportunity to make a bold announcement – he was throwing his support behind a national inquiry into the child grooming gangs scandal.
This decision came as a surprise to many, as Starmer had previously been opposed to the idea of a national inquiry. In fact, he had rejected calls for it by the Tories and Reform UK, saying that his focus was on implementing the recommendations of a previous inquiry into child sex abuse by Professor Alexis Jay. At the time, he even accused those demanding a national probe of pandering to the far-right.
But now, in an astonishing U-turn, Starmer has changed his stance. He announced his support for the recommendations of an independent report on child sexual exploitation by Baroness Louise Casey, which is set to be published next week. The report is expected to call for a judge-led inquiry into the grooming and sexual abuse of young girls across the country, mostly by groups of men of Pakistani origin.
So, what has caused this change of heart? According to Starmer, it was the findings of the report that convinced him to support a national inquiry. He explained, “I have never said that we should not look again at any issue. I wanted to be assured on the question of any inquiry, which is why I asked Louise Casey, who I hugely respect, to do an audit.”
He further added, “Her initial position was that there was no need for a national inquiry, as the issue was being addressed through other means. However, after conducting the audit, she has come to the conclusion that a national inquiry is necessary. I have read every single word of her report, and I am going to accept her recommendation. It is the right thing to do based on the evidence presented in her audit.”
This decision has been welcomed by many, including Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, who said, “Keir Starmer doesn’t know what he thinks unless an official report has told him so. Just like he dismissed concerns about the winter fuel payment and then had to U-turn, just like he needed the Supreme Court to tell him what a woman is, he had to be led by the nose to make the correct decision here.”
It is important to note that this issue has been a contentious one, with many calling for a national inquiry for months. But for Starmer, it took the findings of an official report to change his mind. This has been a cause of frustration for some, who feel that it shouldn’t have taken so long for him to realize the need for a national inquiry. Cabinet Minister Lee Anderson, who has been fighting to keep her job after making controversial comments about grooming gangs, said, “I’ve been repeatedly calling for a full national inquiry since January. It’s about time he recognized he made a mistake and apologized for six wasted months.”
This decision by Starmer is significant, as it shows his willingness to listen and take action based on the evidence presented to him. It also highlights his commitment to addressing this issue and finding a solution. This is a step in the right direction, and it is crucial that the government takes swift action to ensure that the victims of these heinous crimes get the justice they deserve.
In recent years, cases of child grooming gangs have come to light, shocking the nation and raising questions about the safety of our children. It is a complex issue that requires a thorough investigation, and a national inquiry is the first step towards finding answers and bringing perpetrators to justice. It is a crucial step in ensuring the safety and protection of our children.
This announcement by Starmer also highlights the importance of independent reports and audits in shaping policies and decisions. It shows that the government is willing to listen to the recommendations of experts and act accordingly. In this case, the report by Baroness Casey has played a pivotal role in convincing Starmer of the need for a national inquiry.
In conclusion, Starmer’s decision to support a national inquiry into child grooming gangs is a significant one, and it sends a strong message that the government is taking this issue seriously. It is a step towards finding justice for the victims and ensuring the safety of our children. As we
