Council urges government inquiry into grooming gangs

The government recently voted down a national inquiry into grooming gangs

A council has joined calls for the government to launch a national inquiry into grooming gangs and child sexual exploitation.

At a full council meeting, North Northamptonshire Council urged the government to address concerns about perceived institutional shortcomings in tackling the crimes.

Jason Smithers, the Conservative council leader, said it was part of the authority's commitment to addressing "systemic failures" that had affected victims, families, and communities across Northamptonshire.

Matt Keane, the Labour group leader on the council, said the proposal was an "unannounced" item and not put forward correctly, which meant councillors were not given the chance to debate it.

Jason Smithers believes an inquiry into grooming gangs would ensure "no community ever suffers from such failures again"

Mr Smithers said: "We are urging the government to launch a thorough and independent national inquiry that examines all agencies involved and ensures that its findings are acted upon swiftly and transparently."

The council also commended the bravery of victims who have come forward to expose the abuse.

The Conservatives and Reform UK have called for a national inquiry into grooming gangs after the subject came under the spotlight, in part due to interventions on social media from Elon Musk.

In response to other calls for a fresh inquiry, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has argued several inquiries had already been held and that a new probe would only delay the action the victims wanted.

Smithers added: "This is not about politics - it is about protecting vulnerable children, holding those responsible to account, and ensuring that no community ever suffers from such failures again."

Keane said: "This was an unannounced item, and councillors were not provided with the wording prior to the meeting.

"Decisions made by the council should be made in a proper manner. This is why this complex issue could not be debated.

"I am pleased that the Labour government is working at pace to implement the recommendations of the Jay Review, which after two years the previous government did not implement."