Home Secretary vows grooming gangs inquiry will stay robust after survivors quit panel – UK politics updates

Good morning. One reason Shabana Mahmood was selected as home secretary is that, during her time as justice secretary, she effectively countered claims of a "two-tier justice system" from the Conservatives, which were being amplified by some media outlets. Now, she is addressing similar criticism regarding the grooming gangs inquiry—an issue where certain news organizations have taken a strong stance while the government struggles to respond.

Here is the latest headline from a major outlet.

While “chaos” might be an exaggeration, the current situation is far from orderly. Keir Starmer announced a national inquiry into grooming gangs in June, despite previously rejecting the idea. For such an inquiry to be meaningful, it must earn the trust of survivors. The government has yet to appoint a chair or finalize the scope of the investigation.

An oversight panel, including about 30 survivors, was formed, but at least three members have resigned in recent days. Their concerns include objections to potential chair candidates, suggestions that the inquiry might expand beyond grooming gangs, and fears that the ethnic background of offenders is being minimized.

One of two reported candidates for chair has withdrawn, leaving Jim Gamble—a former police officer and former head of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command—as the likely remaining option. This has drawn criticism from some survivors who oppose a chair with a law enforcement background, while the Conservatives argue the role should go to a judge.

Further complicating matters, Jess Phillips, the safeguarding minister, told lawmakers yesterday that claims about widening the inquiry’s scope were unfounded. She stated:

"We are progressing as quickly as possible while ensuring thoroughness. False claims undermine this process. Suggestions of deliberate delays, lack of concern, or an expanded or diluted focus are incorrect."

Fiona Goddard, a survivor who left the panel, accused Phillips of dishonesty and called for her resignation.

The timing is difficult, as Keir Starmer faces Kemi Badenoch in today’s prime minister’s questions. Badenoch has been vocal on this issue and believes Starmer only initiated the inquiry due to earlier pressure from the Conservatives.

This is where Mahmood steps in. In a piece for the Times, she vows that the inquiry will "never be weakened under my leadership." She adds:

"It was regrettable to learn that some panel members have chosen to step down. Should they reconsider, they will always be welcome back. Regardless, I owe it to them—and the public—to address their concerns."

She clarifies, "First, this inquiry will not be, nor ever become, less rigorous."