Grooming Gang Inquiry Panel Resigns Amid Survivor Concerns
London, UK – A member of the independent panel overseeing the upcoming inquiry into grooming gangs has resigned, citing “condescending and controlling language” used towards survivors throughout the selection process.The resignation raises further questions about the inquiry’s progress and its commitment to centering the experiences of victims.
The panel member,whose name has not been publicly released,expressed concern that survivors have been forced to “fight every day just to be believed” and deserve greater respect than they have received.
The inquiry, announced in response to years of campaigning by survivors, aims to investigate the extent of child sexual exploitation in England and Wales, and the failures of institutions to protect children.
Potential chairs for the inquiry currently under consideration include Simon Bailey and Alexis Jay. Bailey began his career as a police officer in Northern Ireland, eventually leading RUC special branch in Belfast, and is known for his work establishing the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre in 2006.Jay served as director of children’s services for both Bristol city council and the London Borough of Lambeth, and was appointed chair of the child safeguarding practice review panel in December 2020.
The search for a chair has reportedly been hampered by reluctance from senior legal figures, with one source suggesting the sensitive nature of grooming gang demographics - specifically the overrepresentation of men of Pakistani origin in many abuse rings – is a deterrent.
A home Office spokesperson defended the inquiry’s commitment, stating, “The abuse of children by grooming gangs is one of the most horrific crimes imaginable… We are committed to delivering a robust, thorough inquiry that will get to the truth and provide the answers that survivors have so long campaigned for.” they added that the appointment process is ongoing and that they will not be providing further comment while it is indeed underway.
Context: Grooming gangs typically involve multiple perpetrators who target vulnerable children, building relationships of trust over time before sexually exploiting them. the issue gained significant public attention in the UK following cases in towns like Rochdale, Oxford, and Telford, revealing systemic failures in safeguarding and law enforcement. Survivors have long advocated for a extensive, independent inquiry to understand the scale of the problem and prevent future abuse.
