The independent inquiry into grooming gangs has announced that London, Oldham, Bradford and Keighley will be the first areas investigated. Chaired by Anne Longfield, the inquiry will compel individuals and institutions to explain what they 'did or did not do to protect children from being sexually abused,' according to a statement.
Scope of the Inquiry
The inquiry will hold three-part hearings examining Whitehall departments, politicians, local councils, the NHS, and national police institutions. More than 800 recommendations relating to grooming gangs and child sexual exploitation and abuse dating back to the 1990s have been identified. The inquiry team noted 'significant inconsistency' in how these recommendations have been implemented.
Background and Survivor Accounts
Survivors and campaigners have lobbied for months over which areas would be included. Fiona Goddard, who was 14 and living in a children's home in Bradford when grooming began in the late 2000s, said: 'Bradford has evaded inquiries for many, many years and it's time that the full truth about what happened comes out.'
In Oldham, patterns of abuse were first noticed in the early 2000s, with girls as young as 12 abused by groups of predominantly Asian men, according to a former solicitor for survivors. In Keighley, concerns were raised in 2003 by then Labour MP Ann Cryer, who faced accusations of racism and received threatening notes after going public.
London's Role
The inquiry team said London was chosen partly because it has the highest rate of referrals for child sexual exploitation in the country. The inquiry will assess 'the wider network of grooming gangs across London's satellite towns and cities' and investigate 'the role of London in the national network of grooming gangs.'
National Accountability Hearings
The third phase of hearings will investigate tech companies and the 'role of technology in the exploitation of children by grooming gangs.' The inquiry was set up after Louise Casey's 'rapid audit' recommended a national police operation and national inquiry. Casey judged that evidence showing the disproportionate representation of men of Asian ethnicity exploiting white teenage girls in some areas 'warrants further examination.'
Operation Beaconport
Operation Beaconport is examining cases between January 2010 and March 2025 where two or more suspects are accused of sexual abuse and are still alive, involving physical contact, not previously reviewed, and with no further action taken. In November, 1,273 investigations from 23 police forces had been referred to the National Crime Agency, 236 prioritised for allegations of rape. The operation will receive nearly £38m this year, up from £4m last year, though police sources say the money will 'likely fall short.'
Political Pressure
Labour has faced political pressure on grooming gangs, a central issue for Nigel Farage's Reform UK. Robbie Moore, Conservative MP for Keighley and Ilkley, called the decision to include Bradford 'a significant turning point.'
