Labour Faces Criticism After Survivor Resignations Stall UK Grooming Gang Inquiry

The national inquiry into grooming gangs in the UK is facing significant challenges and criticism, particularly following the resignation of two survivors, Fiona Goddard and Ellie Reynolds, from the victims and survivors panel due to concerns over conflicts of interest and the inquiry's direction. Goddard criticized the shortlist for inquiry chairs, which includes a former police chief and a social worker, entities implicated in past institutional failures and cover-ups related to child sexual abuse, leading to fears that the inquiry may fail to hold perpetrators accountable or regain survivors' trust. There are additional concerns about delaying tactics and expanding the inquiry's remit beyond grooming gangs, which some survivors believe dilutes the focus on racial and religious motivations central to the abuse. Political figures, including Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar and commentators on GB News, have expressed frustration over the slow progress and lack of transparency, while government officials defend efforts to find a suitable chair and emphasize the priority of getting the inquiry right. The controversy highlights deep mistrust between survivors and authorities, and the challenge of balancing thorough investigation with survivors' demands for justice and accountability. The inquiry remains under scrutiny as calls grow for it to proceed urgently and with genuine survivor involvement to avoid further erosion of public confidence.