Senedd Rejects Wales-wide Grooming Gangs Inquiry, Agrees Audit Instead

The Senedd rejected a motion for a Wales-wide independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation by grooming gangs, voting 34 to 13 in favor of an audit instead. This decision came amid growing concerns over the issue, highlighted by survivor Emily Vaughn, who has been advocating for an inquiry since her own traumatic experiences at the age of 11. Vaughn's petition has garnered over 1,400 signatures, emphasizing the need for a formal investigation into the scale of grooming gang activities in Wales. While the Welsh Labour government stated that the vote was not binding, Plaid Cymru's amendment for an audit was unanimously approved. Critics, including Vaughn and Conservative leader Darren Millar, argue that the absence of a comprehensive inquiry risks ignoring the severity of the problem. The discussion continues to spark debate about the responsibility of authorities in addressing child exploitation.