By Andreas Lundberg 
UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer has launched a major national operation and a statutory public inquiry to tackle grooming gangs and institutional failures, bowing to months of pressure on Labour to address historic child sexual abuse cases.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) will lead a coordinated effort to reopen over 800 group-based abuse cases, targeting offenders who escaped justice and supporting victims whose cases were previously overlooked. The operation will involve regional police, specialist exploitation teams, and national units like Operation Hydrant, alongside the child sexual exploitation taskforce.
A parallel statutory inquiry, empowered by the 2005 Inquiries Act, will investigate failures by institutions such as local councils and police, focusing on ignored or mishandled complaints. Chaired by an independent figure, the inquiry will compel witnesses and direct local investigations, following a review by Louise Casey that Starmer has fully endorsed.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stressed the inquiry’s role in delivering “truth and justice” for survivors, saying, “Not enough people listened to them then. That was wrong. We are changing that now.” Over 800 cases have already been identified for review since January.
Labour’s shift follows pressure from senior Conservatives, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, campaigners, and victims’ families, with even Elon Musk calling for action. Labour backbencher Dan Carden and a Tory amendment earlier this year amplified demands for a new inquiry, which Labour had initially resisted, citing prior reviews like Prof Alexis Jay’s.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves defended the move, stating, “This is about justice,” while dismissing accusations of delay. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch demanded an apology for “six wasted months.”
The NCA operation will focus on prosecuting offenders and improving police handling of exploitation cases, while the inquiry aims to expose systemic failures and ensure accountability.
Dale Chaucer