UK’s Labour Government Blocks Grooming Gangs Inquiry

London (UK) : The UK Labour government has dismissed the Conservative Party’s motion for a national inquiry into grooming gangs, arguing that it would delay crucial child protection legislation. The motion, introduced under the ‘Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill,’ aimed at addressing child exploitation but was rejected by 364 votes to 111 in the House of Commons.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer labeled the proposal a “wrecking amendment” that could hinder progress on legislation designed to protect children, including stricter homeschooling rules and changes to school regulations. Conservative MPs, however, accused the Labour government of avoiding transparency and fueling suspicions of a cover-up.

Heated debates preceded the vote, with Tory leader Kemi Badenoch expressing concerns over the government’s refusal, while Labour MP Nadia Whittome argued that the opposition was exploiting victims’ trauma for political leverage.

The bill will now proceed for further review without requiring another formal vote. Reform UK MPs, including Nigel Farage, pledged independent funding for an inquiry if the government fails to act.

Criticism and counter-arguments highlight the deepening political divide, with both sides emphasizing the need to safeguard children, albeit through different approaches.