Fast-track grooming gang inquiry, councillor says

Councillor Azhar Ali said a national inquiry into grooming gangs "should have happened years ago"

The full national inquiry into grooming gangs should be fast-tracked, a councillor has said.

Sir Keir Starmer has announced there would be a full, national statutory inquiry after earlier facing criticism for not being willing to set one up.

Councillor Azhar Ali, the Independent opposition leader at Lancashire County Council, said "it should have happened years ago".

"It's really important that other perpetrators are brought through the justice system rapidly and the National Crime Agency is given all the tools and resources to deal with it," he said.

'Put victims first'

"There have been other inquiries in the past, but this is really important now that the government seizes this opportunity with both hands," he said, "not for the government's sake, but for the victims and survivors."

"We know very well that child abuse is perpetrated by people of all races and inflicted on all races and religions.

"We also know that some child abuse starts in the family or close family friends.

"Now is the time to put the victims first."

He said the investigation "must deal with the institutional failings from statutory agencies including the police and local government".

"The victims and survivors must be at the heart of any inquiry.," he added.