In January, the Home Secretary pledged £5 million for five locally led inquiries into ‘grooming gangs’, in the wake of public outcry led by the richest man on the planet Elon Musk. Yesterday, on the last day before Easter recess, the government watered down its promise to victims and survivors of rape gangs. The £5 million in funding may now also go towards ‘locally-led work’ following feedback from local authorities. The Conservatives had previously called for a national statutory inquiry into ‘grooming gangs’, but a proposed amendment attached to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill was voted down at the beginning of the year. Not surprising, given the Labour government’s majority.
Yesterday’s announcement by Jess Phillips, minister for safeguarding and violence against women and girls, was met with anger on the opposition benches.
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