The shadow cast by the UK's grooming gang scandal has grown darker still, with an independent inquiry now set its sights on three areas where decades-old abuse has left deep scars: Oldham, Bradford, and London. The Statutory Independent Inquiry, led by Baroness Anne Longfield CBE, will have the power to compel individuals and organisations to account for their actions – or inactions – when it comes to safeguarding children from sexual abuse.
The comprehensive review will not only scrutinise specific cases within these initial areas but also examine whether recommendations from previous inquiries, such as those in Oxford and Rotherham, have been effectively implemented. The inquiry's organisers have indicated that the initial hearings will examine the roles of government departments, police forces, the Crown Prosecution Service, local councils, and the NHS.
Reactions to the announcement have ranged from relief to calls for truth and justice. Fiona Goddard, an abuse survivor who previously resigned from the inquiry panel over concerns about potential chairs, welcomed the inclusion of Bradford, a long-standing demand she has championed. “It's time for the full truth,” she said, “not just for perpetrators but also for those in safeguarding roles who may have facilitated or overlooked abuse.” Robbie Moore, Conservative MP for Keighley and Ilkley, described the announcement as a “significant turning point” and echoed Goddard's calls for truth and justice.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan's spokesperson welcomed the inquiry's focus on the capital, saying it was a step towards justice for all victims. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch also hailed the development as a “huge step towards getting to the truth.” Amy Clowrey, a director at Switalskis Solicitors representing some victims, noted that her clients had repeatedly faced refusals for inquiries into safeguarding failures. She believes these investigations will reveal the true scale of the abuse and the extent of public bodies' failings.
In a letter to stakeholders, inquiry organisers stated that despite 800 recommendations being identified, their implementation has been “significantly inconsistent.” Baroness Longfield expressed her hope that the inquiry would be so comprehensive that “no further inquiries into grooming gangs will ever be needed.” The inquiry, announced in June 2025 by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, has faced challenges, including calls from five abuse survivors for safeguarding minister Jess Phillips to resign. Baroness Longfield will be supported by Zoe Billingham and Eleanor Kelly.