Kemi Badenoch calls for national inquiry into ‘rape gangs’

Oldham: Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, is pushing for a national inquiry into the troubling issue of rape gangs in the UK. This comes after Jess Phillips, a Home Office minister, turned down a request from Oldham Council for a government-led investigation into past child sexual exploitation cases. Instead, she suggested that the council should handle it themselves.

Badenoch’s call for a national inquiry gained traction after Phillips’ decision was highlighted by various media outlets, including GB News and even caught the attention of Elon Musk on social media. Shadow Home Office minister Chris Philp echoed Badenoch’s sentiments, stating that it’s time for a comprehensive inquiry with the power to compel witnesses to come forward.

The Home Office has yet to comment on the situation. A Labour spokesperson mentioned that the Home Office backs police investigations and independent inquiries to ensure justice for victims. Badenoch took to social media, expressing frustration that despite numerous trials across the country, no one in authority has connected the dots. She emphasized that 2025 should be the year victims finally receive justice.

There have been several investigations into the systematic abuse of young women by organized gangs in various towns, including Rotherham and Bristol. These cases have sparked far-right campaigns, focusing on the fact that many perpetrators are of Pakistani descent. A previous inquiry revealed that 1,400 children were abused in Rotherham over 16 years, primarily by British Pakistani men.

Philp pointed out that the issue of rape gangs is broader than just Oldham, suggesting that a national inquiry is necessary to address the problem across multiple towns. He also mentioned that the inquiry should look into why many of the offenders appear to be of South Asian background.

In response to Badenoch’s call, Nigel Farage from Reform UK criticized the Conservatives for not launching an inquiry during their 14 years in power, stating that the establishment has failed the victims at every level. Meanwhile, Oldham Council has been advocating for a more thorough investigation into historical abuse, but their request was dismissed by Phillips, who believes local inquiries are more legitimate.

The conversation around this issue continues to evolve, with various stakeholders calling for accountability and justice for the victims of these heinous crimes.