Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, has reiterated demands for a national inquiry into grooming gangs, citing failures in addressing the issue effectively. Speaking at his party’s north-west regional conference, Farage criticized past inquiries for being too broad, advocating for a “rifle shot” approach focusing on gangs he claimed were “predominantly of Pakistani origin” and preying on “working-class white girls.”
He stressed the need to understand the scale, motives, and deeply racist nature of these crimes, stating,
“Unless we confront this head-on, we are never going to stop it.”
Support for an Inquiry Grows
Farage praised Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham for supporting an inquiry, suggesting mounting pressure on the Prime Minister to act. Elizabeth Harper, a survivor of child exploitation in Rotherham, also called for urgent action, backing Farage’s demand for a nine-month inquiry.
Farage warned that if the government does not initiate a review by January’s end, Reform UK will establish its own investigation.
Conflicting Data on Offenders
The debate continues as new police data revealed that 85% of group-based child abusers in the first three quarters of 2024 were white. In 2023, this figure stood at 83%. Richard Fewkes, director of the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s Hydrant program, emphasized no significant issue with ethnicity among offenders.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting, however, cautioned against divisive rhetoric, pointing to the potential for violence, as seen in the 2019 New Zealand mosque attack. Streeting stated,
“We must ensure entire communities are not unfairly blamed for the actions of a few.”
Public Confidence and Government Response
Polling by More in Common highlights public dissatisfaction with government action on grooming gangs. Approximately 60% believe the Labour Government has failed, while 69% criticized the previous Conservative administration. Over half of respondents expressed little confidence in the justice system’s handling of child exploitation cases.
The Home Secretary Yvette Cooper recently pledged to implement mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse, based on Professor Alexis Jay’s recommendations. Further details are expected in the coming weeks.
Balancing Accountability and Sensitivity
While Farage and others call for a comprehensive inquiry, many stress the importance of balancing accountability with preventing stigmatization of entire communities. Streeting emphasized the need for clarity without succumbing to political correctness, ensuring victims are prioritized without fueling prejudice.
