The Prime Minister has declined demands for an official investigation into widespread historical abuse of children perpetrated by organized criminal groups.
This decision follows a shift in policy from Labour, who previously promised five separate inquiries but retracted that pledge just before Parliament adjourned for Easter recess.
Initially, the Home Secretary had allocated £5 million to facilitate these five local investigations. That funding has now been restructured into a more adaptable pool of £5 million. The government maintains its willingness to support such inquiries if requested by individual local authorities, though it is no longer guaranteeing a total of five.
A survivor of sexual abuse expressed deep disappointment with the change in direction.
“It’s just complete dismay with this backtracking from the government, especially on something as serious as child sexual exploitation,” stated Lucia Rea during an interview with GB News. “It’s just a profound betrayal to the survivors.”
The situation has raised questions about whether the government fully grasps the public’s anger surrounding the grooming gangs crisis.
Here are key points:
- Labour initially pledged five inquiries but subsequently revised their commitment.
- Funding previously earmarked for specific local investigations has been repurposed into a flexible fund.
- Survivors have voiced strong criticism of this shift in policy, citing it as a betrayal.
The government asserts its continued support for local investigations when requested.
