Birmingham and Wales are the latest locations to be named for local investigations as part of the national inquiry into child sexual abuse by grooming gangs. The statutory inquiry, chaired by Baroness Anne Longfield, is conducting targeted investigations across England and Wales.
The inquiry has the authority to compel individuals and institutions to provide explanations regarding their actions or inactions in protecting children from sexual abuse. It will examine the nature and scale of abuse within each designated area.
Previous local investigations have been announced for Oldham in Greater Manchester, Bradford and Keighley in West Yorkshire, and London. The Statutory Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs in England and Wales was initially announced in June 2025 by former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.