Government ramps up grooming gang probes

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has announced an increase in police investigations into child sexual exploitation incidents, following criticism of the Government’s progress on local grooming gang inquiries. Sir Keir Starmer stated that the Government will fund necessary local inquiries into the grooming gangs scandal, while stressing the need to implement recommendations from the Alexis Jay national review. He remarked: “If there is evidence of grooming that is coming to light now, we need a criminal investigation.” The Government has also allocated a £5m fund for local authorities to support their work on grooming gangs. However, concerns have been raised about the Government’s approach, with accusations of diluting the importance of inquiries. Sir Keir insists he remains committed to the five local inquiries promised earlier, while also acknowledging the need for further investigations.