A Labour minister has confirmed her party will vote against the Conservatives’ push for a fresh public inquiry into the grooming gangs scandal, arguing it’s unnecessary and risks delaying justice for victims.
Labour Sticks to Its Guns
Alex Davies-Jones, minister for victims and violence against women and girls, defended Labour’s stance on Sky News, saying the recommendations from a previous inquiry, led by Professor Alexis Jay, are still being implemented.
“The Jay inquiry was extensive,” she explained. “Over 700 brave victims and survivors gave their testimony. It’s for them that we need to deliver justice—not start from scratch with yet another inquiry.”
Her comments come as Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, announced plans to force a Commons vote on the matter.
Musk Stirs the Pot
The issue has surged back into the political spotlight, thanks in part to Elon Musk’s recent online attacks against Labour’s handling of grooming gangs. Labour leader Keir Starmer has accused the Tories of aligning with the far right by amplifying Musk’s claims.
Starmer also defended safeguarding minister Jess Phillips, who rejected Oldham Council’s call for a new government-led inquiry, saying Musk’s personal attacks on her had “crossed a line.”
Tories Double Down
Badenoch isn’t backing down. She took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce plans for an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing Bill, calling for a “full national inquiry” into grooming gangs.
“I was serious when I said it’s time to get justice for victims,” she posted. “If the amendment is selected, I hope MPs from all parties will support it.”
A Moral Battleground
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp slammed Labour’s decision, branding it “total moral cowardice.”
He accused Labour of perpetuating a cover-up, claiming local inquiries lack the legal power to compel evidence production. “The victims of these heinous child rape gangs deserve honesty and truth,” he said.
Philp went further, urging Labour MPs in affected constituencies to reconsider their position. “They need to think long and hard about which side of history they want to be on.”
Meanwhile, Davies-Jones insisted Labour’s focus remains on delivering justice for victims by implementing the Jay inquiry’s recommendations. “Once that’s done, if further work is needed, we’ll do it,” she said.
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