Survivors of grooming gangs in Wales have expressed concerns that their experiences are being overlooked in the ongoing investigation into child sexual exploitation, prompting criticism from Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar. The inquiry, led by Baroness Anne Longfield, has so far concentrated its local investigations solely on English locations, including Bradford and Keighley, London, and Oldham.

Millar urged the Welsh government to consider commissioning a separate inquiry should Wales continue to be treated as an “afterthought” in the broader investigation. He emphasized the reality of abuse occurring within Wales, noting that numerous survivors have come forward to share their stories. Citing one survivor who was trafficked and raped over 1,000 times, Millar praised her courage and stressed the importance of uncovering the full truth for all victims.

The leader of the Welsh Conservatives also criticized both Plaid Cymru and Labour—parties that have held power in the Welsh government—for failing to support a comprehensive inquiry process that fully addresses the scale of the problem in Wales. Millar argued that survivors in Wales deserve equal recognition and a thorough examination alongside victims in England.

A spokesperson for the statutory independent inquiry said that additional local investigations are expected to be announced in the near future, and affirmed that survivors can contribute their testimonies regardless of their place of residence. However, the current focus on English localities has raised concerns about potential geographic gaps in the investigation, with Welsh victims and advocates questioning whether their experiences will receive adequate attention.

As the inquiry progresses, calls for a more inclusive approach underscore ongoing tensions over how the abuse cases in Wales are being addressed and the responsibility of the Welsh government to ensure that justice and support reach all survivors throughout the region.