Labour Faces 'conspiracy of silence' on Grooming Gangs Inquiry

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Labour has been accused of a "conspiracy of silence" after several MPs representing areas affected by grooming gangs declined to state their position on a national inquiry into the issue. The accusations emerged as only a handful of MPs responded to inquiries from the *Daily Mail*.

 

Out of more than 20 Labour MPs contacted from constituencies with histories of child rape and sexual abuse, only three replied. This led to criticism of a "dereliction of duty" for those who remained silent. Among the respondents, Luke Myer and Shaun Davies, representing Middlesbrough South and Telford, respectively, voiced their support for a national inquiry. Their statements added to the growing number of Labour MPs—now five—who have openly backed the call for a comprehensive investigation.

 

The push for a national inquiry gained momentum after MPs Sarah Champion from Rotherham and Paul Waugh from Rochdale reversed their initial stance against it. Their change of heart was seen as a significant shift in the party’s approach to handling the sensitive issue.

 

Further support came from other Labour figures, including Dan Carden, MP for Liverpool Walton, and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who have also expressed the need for a broader probe into grooming gangs.

 

However, not all Labour representatives share this view. Chi Onwurah, MP for Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West, reiterated her previous position, suggesting that a national inquiry might not be necessary. She referred to a statement she made last week, emphasizing a more localized approach.

 

Amidst the political debate, the Government initiated small-scale local investigations into the grooming gang problem. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced that five reviews would be conducted in towns severely impacted by these crimes. Yet, the scope of these investigations has drawn criticism for being insufficient, as they lack the authority to summon witnesses, leading to concerns about their effectiveness.

 

The controversy over Labour’s response to grooming gangs and the broader call for a national inquiry highlights the tension between addressing local issues and ensuring comprehensive national oversight. As the discussion continues, the Labour Party faces mounting pressure to clarify its stance and demonstrate a commitment to tackling this critical issue head-on.

 

Based on a report by Daily Mail 2025-01-20

 

 

[Watawattana]

I'm no expert in al of this, but I don't understand what benefit a new inquiry will bring compared to the inquiry held by the previous government where the recommendations have not been implemented?

[The Cyclist]

30 minutes ago, Watawattana said:

I'm no expert in al of this, but I don't understand what benefit a new inquiry will bring compared to the inquiry held by the previous government where the recommendations have not been implemented?

 

The recommendations from the previous inquiry should be implemented tout suite.

 

A second Royal Commission / Statutory Inquiry should also be set up tout suite, to identify, every single person, dead or alive, that turned a blind eye, was involved in a cover up, or in a position of authority and sat back and did nothing, with the remit of bringing them to Justice.

 

Labour will go to any length to try and block such a Commission / Inquiry, because to many Labourites from local authorities, right up to members of the current Government are neck deep in it. Including  Keir ( Nothing came across my desk ) Starmer.

[Watawattana]

2 minutes ago, The Cyclist said:

A second Royal Commission / Statutory Inquiry should also be set up tout suite, to identify, every single person, dead or alive, that turned a blind eye, was involved in a cover up, or in a position of authority and sat back and did nothing, with the remit of bringing them to Justice.

I've no problem with what you suggest.  I doubt the police has the capacity for this, but a lot of this is criminal behaviour that the police and wider criminal justice system should be dealing with.  They won't of course (or rather can't), so outing them in an inquiry sounds good.

[The Cyclist]

6 minutes ago, Watawattana said:

I've no problem with what you suggest.  I doubt the police has the capacity for this,

 

Not a Police matter. Think Horizon Inquiry. 

 

Judge led, barristers and KC's, compelled to attend, Jail time for the guilty.

 

Swore in under Oath, with a quick warning that silence will be construed as guilt.

 

Get them wriggling and panicking right from the off. It would take them long to start singing their black hearts out and pointing fingers.

[herfiehandbag]

1 hour ago, Watawattana said:

I'm no expert in al of this, but I don't understand what benefit a new inquiry will bring compared to the inquiry held by the previous government where the recommendations have not been implemented?

All previous inquiries, local and national have failed to tackle the central problem. They may ( in some cases) have recognised the acts of the perpetrators (although usually not considered all the circumstances) but have failed to recognise or give due emphasis to both the scale and the ethnicity of the perpetrators. These are absolutely central facts to the whole business. They, together with the appalling and often will full failings of those whose duty it was to investigate have been covered up.

 

Further local inquiries will be vulnerable to similar failings - so entrenched is the "cover up ethos" in the local political, social and yes, police, establishments that they will not be trusted.

 

A specific, focussed and independent National Inquiry will certainly go over much ground again, but such is the public interest, press interest and popular outrage at the events of the last two decades, a cover up on a national scale will be  impossible to mount, nor will any recommendations it may make be ignored.

 

It will cost money, it will be politically embarrassing and damaging, it may ( should) lead to prosecutions and end careers; but money, embarrassment and political damage fade into insignificance compared to the damage done to the victims, their families and our society. They deserve justice, we demand that they receive justice, and they must get it.

[Watawattana]

15 minutes ago, The Cyclist said:

 

Not a Police matter. Think Horizon Inquiry. 

 

Judge led, barristers and KC's, compelled to attend, Jail time for the guilty.

 

Swore in under Oath, with a quick warning that silence will be construed as guilt.

 

Get them wriggling and panicking right from the off. It would take them long to start singing their black hearts out and pointing fingers.

Thanks.  In that case I'm 100% behind this.

[The Cyclist]

25 minutes ago, Watawattana said:

Thanks.  In that case I'm 100% behind this.

 

I'll just echo what @herfiehandbag said.

 

27 minutes ago, herfiehandbag said:

It will cost money, it will be politically embarrassing and damaging, it may ( should) lead to prosecutions and end careers; but money, embarrassment and political damage fade into insignificance compared to the damage done to the victims, their families and our society. They deserve justice, we demand that they receive justice, and they must get it.

 

political embarrassment, damage to individuals is exactly ( IMHO ) is what theses creatures masquerading as Politicians, people in authority and other spineless wretches deserve, and ultimately justice for the victims.

 

Money should be no barrier to ensuring this happens.

[Eloquent pilgrim]

2 hours ago, Watawattana said:

I'm no expert in al of this, but I don't understand what benefit a new inquiry will bring compared to the inquiry held by the previous government where the recommendations have not been implemented?

 

The problem is that the previous enquiry, the IICSA (Jay Inquiry) only focused on 6 case study areas; Tower Hamlets, Bristol, Durham, Warwickshire, St Helens, and Swansea.

 

The inquiry ignored Oxford, Rotherham, Telford, Rochdale, Oldham, Huddersfield, Newcastle, Bradford, Dewsbury, Keighley, Peterborough, and all the other areas of the 50 that have been identified as having Pakistani rape gangs operating.

 

There is no reason, either legally, or otherwise, that the recommendations of the Jay Inquiry cannot be implemented, whilst a full independent inquiry is held investigating specifically the Pakistani rape gangs throughout the UK, which is the real issue here.

 

Local inquiries do not cut the mustard, because they do not have the power to compel people to give evidence, so anyone that knows they will be exposed or shown in bad light, can just refuse to cooperate, or give evidence under oath.