Pressure is increasing for the Welsh government to establish an independent inquiry into grooming gangs, following recent convictions and growing concerns over local oversight. Reform UK, now the second-largest party in the Senedd after May’s elections, has called on First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth to take decisive action to address the exploitation of women and girls in Wales.

In a letter addressed to the First Minister, Welsh Reform leader Dan Thomas emphasized the need for the government to use all available resources to combat grooming gangs within Wales. The call comes shortly after three men—Ziaullah Badshah, Mustafa Iqbal, and Mohamed Arshad—were convicted last week at Caernarfon Crown Court for the rape of girls aged 14 to 16, whom prosecutors described as having been treated as "sexual commodities."

Thomas praised the courage of the victims during the prolonged trial but urged that justice alone was insufficient. He highlighted repeated institutional failures to protect children and stressed the importance of understanding these shortcomings by examining evidence, making recommendations to prevent future abuse, and implementing them fully.

A significant point of contention is the absence of any Welsh cases in the initial phase of the Statutory Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs. The inquiry’s first local investigations have focused on areas in England, including Bradford and Keighley, Oldham, and London. Thomas criticized this exclusion, stating that Welsh victims and children deserve equitable scrutiny and protection. He warned that the lack of attention on Wales could undermine public trust and confidence in authorities.

In addition to urging a Wales-wide inquiry, Thomas has contacted Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, requesting clarification on whether foreign nationals convicted of grooming gang offenses in Wales would face deportation.

The Welsh government responded by affirming its full cooperation with the ongoing UK-wide inquiry and ongoing collaboration with partners to support its work. It added that it would carefully consider the inquiry’s forthcoming findings when deciding if further action is required in Wales.

The inquiry itself announced that further local area investigations will be announced in due course and confirmed that evidence will be collected from across both England and Wales. It also noted that victims and survivors are encouraged to share their experiences regardless of their location within the two countries.