More than seven months after Sir Keir Starmer announced a full inquiry into child grooming gangs, the investigation has yet to commence. The issue involves allegations that state institutions—including social services, police, and local political bodies—failed to adequately address the abuse of predominantly white and Sikh girls by groups largely composed of men of Pakistani Muslim background. Critics argue this failure was driven by fears of being labeled racist and concerns over community relations.

The scandal has drawn criticism toward Labour, given that the party controlled many of the local councils where these abuses occurred. Some commentators suggest this may partly explain the perceived hesitancy to launch a comprehensive inquiry, fearing potential political fallout.

In response to the delay, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has expressed support for an alternative investigation. After meeting with survivors, she proposed a judge-led inquiry designed to be thorough and to explicitly consider the ethnicity and cultural backgrounds of those implicated in the crimes. Badenoch emphasized that a full, transparent examination is necessary to address the trauma experienced by victims.

Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer has maintained a relatively low profile on the issue. In recent public remarks, he emphasized his commitment to ending child poverty, describing it as his "moral mission," but has not directly addressed the grooming scandal or the proposed inquiry.

The debate highlights ongoing tensions over how best to investigate and address the failures surrounding these crimes, balancing concerns over race and community dynamics with the need for justice and accountability for survivors.