Labour refuses calls for an inquiry into Muslim rape gangs amid Keir Starmer’s past CPS role, sparking outrage from victims and safety campaigners alike.
The Labour government has 'declined' to open a public inquiry into the handling of grooming gang scandals during the tenure of Sir Keir Starmer as Director of Public Prosecutions (2008-2013), a decision that appalled many, including Elon Musk.
Jess Phillips, Labour’s safeguarding minister, dismissed the idea, saying that it was the responsibility of local councils, such as Oldham, to determine whether an investigation was warranted. When in opposition Ms Phillips had been very vocal about the need for justice for victims, but now has changed her tune, suggesting that it was a plot by the 'far-right' to exploit the crisis.
Critics argue this refusal shields Sir Keir Starmer from accountability. “Who was the head of the CPS when rape gangs exploited young girls without facing justice? Keir Starmer,” said Elon Musk, commenting on X. Kemi Badenoch, Conservative leader, called for a “full national inquiry”, emphasising the victims’ need for justice.
The Muslim rape gang scandal, which reportedly included over 50,000 girls, in 14 towns and cities across the UK, have been characterised by systematic failures by police and government for well over two decades.
A 2022 report highlighted that agencies in Oldham neglected to protect children from “predominantly Pakistani offenders”. Nine men, including eight of British Pakistani origin, were convicted of sex trafficking in Rochdale in 2012. Additional trials have led to the conviction of 33 more individuals since then. Sir Keir acknowledged in 2012 the CPS’s failures during his tenure, stating that “victim credibility” issues often hindered prosecutions. Greater Manchester Police later apologised for its handling of earlier allegations.
Social media has erupted in condemnation of Labour’s decision, with Elon Musk labelling the refusal “disgraceful” and accusing Phillips of protecting her boss. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage slammed the political establishment’s repeated failures. Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp has demanded that any inquiry include scrutiny of Starmer’s CPS leadership. Simon Danczuk, former Rochdale MP, added that Labour figures had historically discouraged raising the ethnicity of offenders to avoid harming electoral chances.
Reports from Oldham Council document numerous failures, including grooming incidents in council properties and local taxi networks.
The council’s Labour group requested Home Office support for an independent inquiry, only to face rejection from Phillips, who wrote, “It is for Oldham Council alone to commission an inquiry into child sexual exploitation locally.” Statistics from the 2022 report underscore the gravity of these cases: nearly 1,400 children were victims of grooming gang exploitation in Rotherham alone between 1997 and 2013, with similar patterns emerging nationwide.
“Victims and communities need to know that all steps are taken to deliver justice,” Labour spokespersons have claimed. However, critics argue that without a government-led inquiry, justice will not be given to the victims. “Trials have occurred, but no one has joined the dots,” Badenoch stated. “2025 must be the year victims get justice.”
The refusal of an inquiry has intensified debates about accountability and institutional failings. Labour’s stance, juxtaposed with Sir Keir’s admission of CPS shortcomings, has compounded public anger. With mounting pressure from opposition leaders, social media, and victims’ advocates, the issue could catalyse political and legal repercussions. The coming months will likely determine whether Labour’s decision withstands scrutiny or if external forces compel a national inquiry.
Related:
Gangs were allowed free-range to groom white girls because of their ethnicity.
" Elon Musk labelling the refusal “disgraceful” and accusing Phillips of protecting her boss."
Who is this Phillips you mention? You need to do more proof reading.
Oh, and could you please stop referring to Stasi starmer as ' Sir '. It's a title he has never deserved the same as Khan doesn't. Continued use of this once honourable title just serves to further demean its status.
EDIT: Apologies, I've just just seen the paragraph about Jess Phillips, my laptop wasn't rendering properly.