The Scottish government has ordered a major national review of all evidence concerning the operation of grooming gangs, a move that could lead to a full public inquiry. The announcement came during a Scottish Labour-led debate at Holyrood on transparency in tackling group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Independent Expert to Lead Critical Review
An independent expert will carry out the review, with its conclusions directly informing a future decision on whether Scotland should hold a judge-led public inquiry. Professor Alexis Jay, who previously chaired the landmark Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse in England and Wales, has been appointed to lead this crucial work. She will also chair Scotland's National Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Strategic Group from January 2026.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth stated the government is prepared to give "every consideration" to an inquiry but stressed the decision must be "based on information, evidence and a greater understanding of the scale and nature of this form of abuse". She highlighted Professor Jay's "extensive expertise" as invaluable for ministers moving forward.
Pressure Mounts Following High-Profile Cases
The decision for a national review follows mounting pressure and several disturbing cases that have come to light. These include:
- The so-called "beastie house" paedophile ring in Glasgow.
- A recently-sentenced Romanian grooming gang in Dundee.
- Allegations from a young woman, known as Taylor, who wrote to First Minister John Swinney claiming she was preyed upon by at least 10 men from an alleged Pakistani grooming gang in Glasgow and South Lanarkshire when she was 13 and in care.
While a national inquiry into grooming gangs is proceeding in England and Wales, Scotland has not yet established one. In September, the Scottish Conservatives attempted to amend the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill to mandate a public inquiry, but the move was rejected.
A Call for "Full and Fearless" Action
Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay responded to the review announcement by calling for a "full and fearless independent inquiry into the scale of grooming gang activity". He claimed, "The SNP have finally been shamed into taking action, but this doesn't go far enough."
The new review will work alongside the existing independent Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry and ongoing work by Police Scotland to re-examine previous cases. Professor Jay acknowledged the urgency, stating upon her appointment, "There is much to do, and do quickly." The nation now awaits the findings that will shape Scotland's official response to this devastating form of criminal exploitation.
