Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi has said that the blame for grooming gangs in the UK should not rest on Asia but rather on “one rogue nation,” Pakistan. Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk endorsed her statement, calling it “true.”
Her comments coincided with the UK’s Conservative opposition pressing for a new national inquiry into decades-long sexual abuse of predominantly white British girls by men. They are mostly of Pakistani origin in northern England. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who led the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) from 2008 to 2013, defended his record. He claimed that he had initiated the first prosecution of an Asian grooming gang during his tenure.
True
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 8, 2025
Musk Supports Chaturvedi Amid Starmer’s Struggles
Elon Musk has repeatedly criticized Starmer in recent weeks. Starmer has resisted calls for another inquiry, instead advocating the implementation of recommendations from a prior extensive seven-year investigation. This inquiry provided nearly two dozen suggestions to address the issue but left critics dissatisfied, particularly after Starmer labeled much of the surrounding discussion as “lies and misinformation.”
Chaturvedi’s remarks intensified the scrutiny on Starmer’s leadership during the period when these scandals came to light, as well as the effectiveness of his approach to tackling such cases.
Focus Shifts to Children’s Bill After Tragic Case
As the grooming gang controversy unfolds, UK lawmakers have shifted their attention to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, aimed at protecting vulnerable children. The legislation would require local authorities to maintain a register of children not attending school, a measure designed to prevent abuse.
This bill gained momentum following the tragic case of 10-year-old British-Pakistani girl Sara Sharif, who was found dead in her Surrey home in August 2023. She had suffered severe injuries, including broken bones, burns, and bite marks, after enduring years of abuse. Her father, Urfan Sharif, and stepmother, Beinash Batool, were convicted of her murder and sentenced to life in prison last month.
Next Steps in Parliamentary Action
UK MPs have advanced the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill to the next stage without requiring a formal vote. The initiative reflects ongoing efforts to protect children from harm, as the grooming gang debate and related political controversies continue to dominate public discourse.
