Grooming Gang Inquiry Faces Crisis as Survivors Quit and Leadership Collapses

The UK government's grooming gang inquiry is facing significant turmoil as multiple survivor panel members have resigned, citing concerns over the inquiry's scope and leadership, particularly calling for the resignation of Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips. Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, has publicly expressed continued confidence in Phillips despite survivor allegations of a cover-up and dilution of the inquiry's remit. The inquiry has also seen two potential chairs withdraw, further delaying progress, while survivors and abuse lawyers have criticized the inquiry's management and called for a judge to lead the process. Survivors report divisive tactics within the panel and feel their voices are not being properly heard, with confidentiality agreements and internal mistrust compounding frustrations. Government officials acknowledge the challenges but emphasize the need to prioritize survivors’ voices and are actively seeking to appoint a chair to move the inquiry forward. Opposition voices have condemned the government's handling of the scandal and urged for a more focused and transparent approach to address the systemic failures related to grooming gangs.