Conservatives Demand National Inquiry Into Grooming Gangs

On Wednesday, 8th January 2025, the Conservative Party forced a parliamentary vote calling for a full national inquiry into the grooming gangs scandal. The move came through a Reasoned Amendment to Labour’s Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, giving MPs a clear opportunity to back justice for victims.

The amendment urged the Government to introduce new legislative measures for children’s wellbeing — including a statutory public inquiry into historical child sexual exploitation, with a particular focus on grooming gangs.

Conservative MPs stressed that the victims of these horrific crimes deserve both truth and justice, and that a nationwide inquiry is long overdue. The party criticized Labour for its continued refusal to support such an investigation.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has dismissed calls for an inquiry as “jumping on the bandwagon of the far-right,” while Home Secretary Yvette Cooper declined to support a public inquiry when pressed by Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp earlier this week.

Conservatives argued that the amendment posed a direct test of Labour MPs’ moral courage — particularly those representing constituencies where grooming gang crimes have taken place.

Neil O’Brien MP, Shadow Education Minister, said:
“The victims of these child rape gangs deserve justice. So many have never had their voices heard. The Government’s refusal to support a national inquiry cannot stand. Our amendment ensures Parliament has the chance to demand one. If Labour MPs refuse, we will continue to press this issue at every stage of the bill. Local inquiries have failed victims, and in many cases, officials were complicit in cover-ups. Without a national inquiry, justice will be denied in dozens of communities across the country. It is time for Labour to listen to their constituents and do the right thing.”

The Conservative Party reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing justice for victims, pledging to keep pushing for a national inquiry until Parliament delivers one.