The Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) on Wednesday witnessed a heated exchange between Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Shadow Home Secretary Kemi Badenoch. Badenoch accused Labour leader Keir Starmer of “covering up” the grooming gang scandal during his tenure as Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and resisting calls for a national inquiry into the systemic abuse.
Badenoch opened her remarks by extending condolences to the Prime Minister over the loss of his brother, before sharply turning the focus to the grooming gang scandal that has plagued towns like Rotherham, Rochdale, and Telford for decades. She emphasized the need for a comprehensive national inquiry:
“This issue is systemic, involving police, prosecutors, and politicians. A national inquiry would uncover the full extent of these atrocities and hold those responsible accountable.”
She highlighted that despite previous inquiries, such as the Jay Report, no overarching investigation has joined the dots across local authorities, leaving many unanswered questions and victims without justice.
Prime Minister Sunak pushed back, defending his record as a former prosecutor:
“When I was Chief Prosecutor, I approved the first major case against Asian grooming gangs in Rochdale. But what we need now is action. We’ve had inquiries—what we don’t need is more delay.”
He criticized Labour for opposing the Children’s Well-being Bill, which he claimed would protect vulnerable children from exploitation, urging MPs to support the legislation.
Badenoch accused Sunak and his party of failing to act on critical recommendations from the Jay Report, including mandatory reporting of child abuse. She called out Labour’s adoption of the All-Party Parliamentary Group’s (APPG) definition of Islamophobia, which she argued discourages open discussions about grooming gangs:
“This lack of clarity creates a chilling effect, smearing innocent British Muslims by association while protecting abusers.”
Sunak rejected the claim, arguing that a further inquiry would delay justice for victims until 2031. He asserted that his government is focused on immediate action, citing ongoing reforms and legislation.
The debate grew even more intense as Sunak accused Badenoch of “bandwagon jumping,” suggesting she had only recently taken up the cause. He stated:
“Not once in eight years has she stood in this House to raise these concerns. Yet now, she demands a new inquiry while opposing critical legislation to protect children today.”
Badenoch fired back, accusing the Prime Minister of prioritizing political expediency over accountability:
“Be a leader, not a lawyer. This is about victims—those who have suffered unimaginable horrors. They deserve answers and justice.”
The fiery exchange has sparked widespread discussion, with calls from both sides for greater action against grooming gangs. Victims and advocacy groups remain divided, with some advocating for a new inquiry to address gaps in past investigations, while others worry it could delay much-needed reforms.
As the debate continues, the spotlight remains on how the government and opposition address one of Britain’s most harrowing scandals, with thousands of victims still awaiting justice.
