UK Government Supports Local Inquiries into Child Abuse

The UK government has announced its support for new local inquiries into child sexual abuse, a decision influenced by recent criticisms from billionaire Elon Musk regarding the handling of historical grooming gang scandals. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that the government will implement recommendations from a 2022 national inquiry and conduct a 'rapid audit' of gang-based exploitation. Musk has criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer for his inaction during his time as chief prosecutor, a claim Starmer has denied, asserting he had worked to reopen cases. While the government has backed local investigations, it has stopped short of initiating a new national inquiry, which Musk and the opposition Conservative Party have called for. Cooper expressed frustration over the slow progress made despite previous inquiries and recommendations. The issue continues to draw attention, particularly due to its association with racial and immigration debates in the UK.