Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has rejected Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham’s call for a new national inquiry into grooming gangs. Burnham had requested a limited national inquiry that drew on reviews of incidents like the ones that occurred in Rotherham and Telford. Although Nandy commended Burnham for calling for a smaller inquiry into specific issues, she disagreed that one was necessary because the recommendations from 2022’s seven-year inquiry led by Professor Alexis Jay should still be implemented. It was said that Labour ministers prioritized implementing those recommendations over conducting another national investigation.
Both Reform UK and Conservatives, however, have backed a new national inquiry, support fuelled by tech billionaire Elon Musk. MP’s voted against the Tories’ move for a fresh investigation, but Labour peer, Baroness Harriet Harman, said the issues raised by the grooming gangs scandal should be looked into more closely. She suggests this could be via a task force, mini-inquiry, or more action plans.
Nandy did not rule out a future inquiry, though she said that the Jay inquiry, established by Theresa May’s government, had taken evidence from thousands of victims and addressed significant issues. She also stated, referring to the Greater Manchester police, that it was astonishing how some officials had refused to take part in the local inquiry and could not be compelled to do so.
On the other hand, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced that the government would begin to implement Professor Jay’s recommendation of mandatory reporting of child sexual assault. Details were to be released in the coming weeks.
The controversy around launching another inquiry is that it could delay efforts to address child sexual assault. The prime minister acknowledges there is no fixed opinion among survivors on whether a further investigation is necessary. However, ministers are keeping an open mind when it comes to conducting a future investigation if it were to become clear that survivors want one, along with implementing Professor Jay’s recommendations
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