Pressure Mounts on Labour Minister Lucy Powell Over Grooming Gangs Remarks

Lucy Powell, the Leader of the House of Commons, faced widespread criticism and calls for her resignation after she appeared to dismiss concerns over the grooming gangs scandal as 'dog whistle' politics during a BBC Radio 4 debate. Her remarks were condemned by victims, their families, and political opponents, who accused her of belittling the experiences of abuse survivors and minimizing the need for a national inquiry. Powell quickly issued a public apology, clarifying that she intended to challenge political point scoring rather than the gravity of the grooming scandal itself, and emphasized her commitment to addressing child exploitation. Health Secretary Wes Streeting and other Labour figures defended Powell's character and her apology, noting her regret and stating that everyone makes mistakes in heated debates. The controversy has reignited debate over Labour's refusal to back a national inquiry, despite ongoing demands from survivors and campaigners. The issue remains highly sensitive, with many highlighting the historic failures of authorities to protect victims and calling for more robust action.