British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has vehemently rejected calls for a national public inquiry into the widespread child sexual abuse perpetrated by grooming gangs, primarily targeting young white girls. He accused those demanding the inquiry, including Elon Musk, of exploiting the scandal to align themselves with the far-right. Starmer maintains that existing localized reports are sufficient and that the focus should be on implementing their recommendations, rather than launching a new, nationwide investigation.
The government’s stance has faced intense scrutiny, particularly given the significant failures of local police, politicians, and other officials to protect vulnerable children. Starmer himself has come under fire, with some alleging complicity during his time as Director of Public Prosecutions between 2008 and 2013. He denies these accusations, asserting that his record is transparent and open to public scrutiny. He stated, according to The Telegraph, that “Every single case I prosecuted went to court and was looked at by a judge.”
However, Starmer’s dismissal of calls for a national inquiry has been met with strong opposition. He directly criticized individuals, including Elon Musk, for spreading “lies and misinformation,” arguing that their focus is self-serving rather than on the victims. He further condemned British politicians who he believes are exploiting the issue for political gain, accusing them of jumping on a “far-right bandwagon” and threatening the integrity of British politics.
Prominent figures such as Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and newly appointed Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch have consistently advocated for a national inquiry. They, along with others, argue that a comprehensive investigation is necessary to expose systemic failures and ensure justice for the victims. Reform MP Rupert Lowes countered Starmer’s accusations, stating that seeking justice for the abused girls is not a “far-right” agenda, urging a focus on the victims and bringing perpetrators to justice. Elon Musk, in response to Starmer’s comments, leveled serious accusations against the Prime Minister, claiming that an inquiry would reveal his deep complicity in the crimes. The debate continues, highlighting a deep division over the appropriate response to this complex and sensitive issue.