Starmer could U-turn and call grooming gangs inquiry

PM prepared to grant new probe if victims’ groups want one

- ARCHIE MITCHELL, MILLIE COOKE, DAVID MADDOX

Sir Keir Starmer has opened the door to a U-turn on his refusal to hold an inquiry into grooming gangs, Downing Street has confirmed, despite ordering his MPs to vote against initiating one.

After safeguarding minister Jess Phillips said a new national probe into the scandal was still on the table, the prime minister’s spokesperson said the government would grant one if victims’ groups called for it.

“Jess Phillips has been engaging extensively with victims, and what we have heard loud and clear from victims is that they do not want to see more inquiries,” they said.

The shift in position came as MPs voted against a Tory amendment that would have initiated an inquiry; the amendment was defeated by 364 votes to 111 last night.

After repeated questioning, Sir Keir’s spokesperson said that if victims’ groups indicated in the future they wanted a new national probe into grooming gangs, one would be granted. It represented a major shift by the government from its position at the weekend of being strongly against an inquiry:

• On Sunday, health secretary Wes Streeting said: “The reason we are not doing another national inquiry is because there has been a national inquiry”

• As pressure grew on Monday, Sir Keir said: “Politicians … calling for inquiries are jumping on the bandwagon with the far right”