Rape gangs inquiry has duty to protect our most vulnerable

THE rape and sexual abuse of young girls was so widespread for so long in so many British towns and cities that it is only right Sir Keir Starmer should belatedly order a U-turn and announce an inquiry. It is a tragedy, however, that the PM waited this long to address the national scandal, and did so only after a long campaign by activists, victims and papers like the Express.

- Tim Newark

As recently as January, Sir Keir had the temerity to suggest those of us concerned about the systematic abuse of vulnerable girls were “calling for inquiries because they want to jump on a bandwagon of the far-Right”.

That utterly misguided, deeply offensive, thinking is something the PM will have to square with his conscience.

But for years, the exploitation of young girls by predominantly Asian rape gangs took place under what amounted to the protection of police and local authorities who clearly considered their rights less important than community cohesion and, in some cases, blamed victims.

That it has taken so long for these uncomfortable facts to be brought kicking and screaming into the light is a scandal in itself and victims and families deserve the full truth.

AS DOES the country, if we are to retain any semblance of trust in those we consent to police our communities and protect our children. It is now evident some crimes were committed by asylum seekers and illegal migrants. This will rightly bring a fresh wave of anger about the lassitude of the authorities.