UK to back new local inquiries into child sexual abuse

The British government announced its support for new local investigations into child sexual abuse across the country, following renewed attention to decades-old grooming gang scandals and criticism from billionaire Elon Musk.

The scandal, involving organized groups in English towns and cities exploiting vulnerable young girls, has already been the subject of local inquiries and a nationwide public investigation into child sexual abuse.

Interior Minister Yvette Cooper told parliament on Thursday that the government would implement recommendations from the 2022 national inquiry while supporting new local investigations.

"Despite all those national inquiries, reports, and hundreds of recommendations, far too little action has been taken and, shamefully, little progress has been made," Cooper said.

However, Cooper stopped short of announcing a new national inquiry, despite calls from opposition voices and Musk, a close ally of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

Elon Musk's criticism

Musk criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer, accusing him of inaction during his tenure as the UK’s chief prosecutor, alleging that he was "complicit in the rape of Britain."

Starmer has rejected these accusations, defending his record. He emphasized that as chief prosecutor, he faced resistance but successfully reopened cases related to the scandal.

Focus on local investigations

The perpetrators in the grooming gang scandal have predominantly been of Pakistani heritage, drawing criticism about systemic failures to address the issue. Cooper highlighted the need for further local inquiries to tackle unresolved issues and ensure accountability.

The scandal has continued to fuel political debates about government responses to child sexual exploitation and the adequacy of existing measures.

The 2022 nationwide public inquiry into child sexual abuse provided extensive recommendations to prevent future abuse and address institutional failures.

However, critics argue that implementation has been slow, with local communities demanding more targeted action.

The issue remains politically charged, with figures like Musk using it to highlight broader criticisms of UK leadership.