Coffee House Shots Grooming gangs: will this inquiry be different?
Jun 16, 2025
Isabel Hardman, a political journalist at The Spectator, dives into the urgent need for a national inquiry into grooming gangs after Keir Starmer's call for action. She discusses the historical failures in addressing the ethnicity of offenders, critiquing the government's approach to inquiries. The conversation also touches on the rising debate around assisted dying and key legislative shifts, showcasing the political landscape's evolving dynamics. Hardman emphasizes the necessity for effective reforms to ensure accountability and tackle these pressing issues.
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Ethnicity Data Crucial for Inquiry
- The lack of ethnicity data on grooming gang perpetrators has hindered understanding and tackling the crime.
- Over-representation of Asian and Pakistani heritage men among suspects is now recognized openly despite past avoidance due to fears of racism accusations.
Labour's Shift on Grooming Inquiry
- Keir Starmer and Labour now back a national inquiry after past reluctance, marking a policy shift.
- The inquiry will address the fears of appearing racist and aims for transparency on grooming gangs' ethnic makeup.
Ensure Inquiry Follow-through
- The inquiry's success depends heavily on robust design and implementation of its terms of reference.
- Follow-up beyond the inquiry is essential as previous reports failed due to weak enforcement and media scrutiny.