Grooming gangs: Fears victims ‘being ignored’ as political fallout sweeps Westminster after Starmer’s far-right comment

He highlighted how the debate has become mired in controversy over what constitutes "far-right" positions, noting that "calling for an inquiry is not far-right."

Chopper pointed out that responsibility spans both major parties, stating "the Tories didn't do anything about it for 14 years and Labour is trying to implement the Jay Review."

Labour is facing mounting pressure to back a national inquiry into grooming gangs, with both the Conservative Party and Reform UK demanding a fresh investigation.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has remained firm in his opposition, stating yesterday that "this doesn't need more consultation, it doesn't need more research, it just needs action".

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Labour's safeguarding minister Jess Phillips recently rejected Oldham Council's request for a government-led public inquiry into grooming gangs in the town.

The row has intensified following tech billionaire Elon Musk's online criticism of the Government over the issue.

An influential Labour group has broken ranks with the party leadership to support calls for a national inquiry into grooming gangs.

Blue Labour described the scandal as "the worst series of atrocities that have taken place in Britain since the war."

The group, founded by Lord Glasman, criticised how "progressives denied, obfuscated, equivocated, averted their eyes, changed the subject" when faced with the scandal.

They called for "a full reckoning with this evil" and criticised those who "immediately pivot to talking about the far-right."

Professor Alexis Jay, who led the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, has insisted "the time has passed" for another investigation into grooming gangs.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4 today, she said: "We've had enough of inquiries, consultations and discussions, and especially for those victims and survivors who've had the courage to come forward, they clearly want action."

Labour has defended its position by referring to Jay's 2022 inquiry, though Blue Labour argues its scope was "too broad" and failed to properly examine ethnicity and religion.

GB News has compiled evidence of grooming gangs operating in over 50 different towns, far exceeding the six locations examined in the Jay Report.

Critics argue the Jay Report's limited scope failed to address key areas, with Blue Labour noting that "Telford and Rochdale received no mention and Rotherham was mentioned only once."

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp has emphasised this disparity, stating: "Many of the worst affected towns were not even looked at by IICSA. We urgently need a full public inquiry to get to the truth."