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The national independent inquiry into grooming gangs will begin its investigations in Oldham, Bradford, Keighley, and London, according to official announcements. This inquiry, known formally as the Statutory Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs, will be led by Baroness Anne Longfield CBE. Its mandate includes compelling individuals and institutions to explain their actions or inactions in protecting children from sexual abuse. Additionally, the inquiry intends to review if substantive changes have occurred in locations where previous examinations took place, including Oxford and Rotherham.
Fiona Goddard, a survivor of abuse and former panel member, resigned from the inquiry in October 2025. Reflecting on the struggle endured, she said, “Bradford has evaded inquiries for many, many years and it’s time that the full truth about what happened comes out.” Goddard’s departure was reportedly due to concerns about the backgrounds of two shortlisted chairs, who had ties to policing and social services. Robbie Moore, the MP for Keighley and Ilkley, welcomed Bradford’s inclusion in the inquiry, calling it “a significant turning point,” and stressed the importance of uncovering the truth and delivering justice to those long neglected.
The inquiry was announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in June 2025, addressing the sexual exploitation of children by grooming gangs across England and Wales. It experienced early controversy when five survivors publicly urged safeguarding minister Jess Phillips to resign. Baroness Longfield will receive assistance from Zoe Billingham, a former member of the independent police inspectorate, and Eleanor Kelly, ex-chief executive of Southwark Council. Oldham was previously chosen for investigation last year by the former Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, responding to survivor dissatisfaction with a 2022 local review deemed too limited.
Discussions surrounding Bradford have persisted for many years, with ongoing concerns voiced by victims and survivors. Recently, Reform UK council leader Stephen Place formally requested the city’s inclusion as a focus area within the inquiry. London’s inclusion reflects its distinct challenges, given the city’s scale and the complexity arising from its multiple boroughs and overlapping systems. Reports contributed to this decision, including one by BBC News in January which revealed that girls as young as 13 were subjected to sexual exploitation by groups of men. The inquiry plans to announce additional local areas for examination later in the year.
Rotherham MP Sarah Champion, who has campaigned on child protection for over ten years, expressed satisfaction with the inquiry’s launch. Rotherham is a critical case study, as between 1997 and 2013, gangs—primarily men of Pakistani origin—abused and trafficked children as young as 11. A 2014 independent report authored by Professor Alexis Jay estimated that approximately 1,400 girls were victims of abuse in the town. Champion commented on social media, “Really pleased to see this, the right decision if we want to understand the bigger picture,” underscoring the inquiry’s role in addressing this extensive issue
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