The Story The Sunday Edition: The journalist who exposed Britain’s grooming gangs
May 17, 2025
Andrew Norfolk, former Chief Investigations Reporter at The Times, is known for his groundbreaking work exposing the grooming gang scandal in the UK. In this discussion, he reveals how he uncovered the systemic abuse that shocked the nation. Norfolk reflects on the emotional toll of reporting such sensitive issues and the complexities of navigating societal and ethnic dynamics. He critiques the political motivations behind inquiries into these crimes, emphasizing the need for genuine understanding and accountability for the victims.
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Early Reporting Hesitation
- Andrew Norfolk initially reported on grooming in 2005 after an MP raised concerns about missing girls.
- He paused due to far-right groups exploiting the story with a racist agenda, causing unease and hesitation.
Discovery of Grooming Pattern
- Norfolk discovered a hidden widespread pattern of child abuse by mostly Muslim men in northern UK towns after hearing of a recent court case.
- He found 56 convicted men across multiple cities with severely similar crimes beginning in public places.
Silence Due to Racism Fear
- Authorities avoided discussing grooming gangs fearing accusations of racism and to preserve community cohesion.
- Each case was falsely labeled as isolated despite similar crimes across towns and cities.