UK Grooming Gangs Inquiry Faces Panel Resignations Amid Government Vows of Unyielding Justice

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has strongly defended the national inquiry into grooming gangs, assuring that "injustice will have no place to hide" and announcing that Dame Louise Casey will support the inquiry's work to ensure it gets to the truth. The inquiry's scope, including examining the ethnicity and religion of offenders, will remain unchanged despite the resignation of four women from the victims and survivors panel, who expressed concerns over the inquiry's handling and potential dilution. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood echoed these sentiments, vowing the inquiry will not be watered down and will focus on the abuse of vulnerable victims by "evil child rapists." Mahmood also emphasized the importance of survivor involvement and left the door open for those who resigned to return. Government ministers, including Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds, have apologized for the handling of the inquiry and expressed commitment to deliver justice, while also addressing concerns over political interference. The inquiry aims to be robust, rigorous, and capable of compelling witnesses to uncover the full truth behind the grooming gangs scandal.