Grooming gang victims' concerns weren't dismissed, Reeves says

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In a recent development, Rachel Reeves has defended the decision to initiate a national inquiry into grooming gangs after facing months of pressure. The chancellor emphasized that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer prioritizes the welfare of victims over grandstanding. The decision to launch the inquiry comes after criticism directed at Sir Keir for initially resisting calls for such an investigation, with the Conservatives highlighting their role in influencing the change.

Former detective Maggie Oliver, who resigned from Greater Manchester Police due to concerns over the handling of grooming cases in Rochdale, remarked that both Conservative and Labour parties were reluctantly pushed towards supporting the inquiry. She expressed that the inquiry marks an essential step towards addressing the prevalent issue while acknowledging that both parties have failed in confronting the problem of grooming gangs adequately.

Sir Keir announced that he had reviewed an independent report by Baroness Louise Casey on child sexual exploitation and agreed to her recommendation for a national inquiry covering England and Wales. The report is scheduled for publication, with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper expected to present the findings to Parliament. Initially, the government had dismissed calls for a national inquiry, arguing that the issue had already been examined in a lengthy investigation led by Professor Alexis Jay.

During a BBC program, Reeves highlighted the government’s focus on implementing the recommendations from Professor Jay’s review, stating that the prime minister wanted assurance that all necessary actions were taken to prevent such incidents in the future. While the decision to launch the inquiry reflects a significant shift in approach, critics like Ms. Oliver remain critical of the government’s delayed response and perceived neglect in addressing the issue of grooming gangs

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