In a move that has ignited fierce debate across Britain, Reform UK has pledged to launch a full national public inquiry into grooming gangs within the first month of coming to power, should they win the upcoming general election. Party leader Nigel Farage made the announcement during a key campaign speech, signaling a hardline stance on issues of crime and justice that could reshape the election narrative.
Reform UK’s Bold Promise
Speaking to a crowd of supporters, Nigel Farage vowed that a Reform UK government would immediately bring forward legislation for a statutory public inquiry into the failures surrounding grooming gangs across the UK. Frustrated with what he calls “years of empty promises” by established parties, Farage pledged swift and uncompromising action to deliver justice for victims and accountability for institutions that failed them.
“Talk is cheap,” Farage said. “We will act where others have merely postured.”
This bold promise is being positioned as a cornerstone of Reform UK’s broader platform of law, order, and institutional reform.
Why the Inquiry Matters: The Grooming Gangs Scandal
Grooming gangs, often involving groups of men exploiting and abusing vulnerable young girls, have been one of the most troubling and emotionally charged issues in Britain over the past two decades. High-profile scandals in Rotherham, Rochdale, Telford, and elsewhere exposed systemic failures by police, social services, and local councils to protect victims—failures often attributed to fears of political correctness and community tensions.
Despite several reports and inquiries, many believe that justice has not been fully served and that key questions about institutional accountability remain unanswered.
Nigel Farage’s Criticism of Conservative Inaction
Nigel Farage was particularly scathing toward the Conservative Party, accusing them of failing to follow through on promises to conduct a thorough inquiry. He highlighted that despite repeated mentions in political manifestos and public speeches, a national inquiry has never materialized under Conservative rule.
“They had 14 years to act,” Farage said, “and they chose to turn a blind eye. Reform will not make that mistake.”
The comment resonates with a segment of the electorate frustrated by what they perceive as establishment complacency on critical national issues.
Details of the Proposed National Inquiry
Reform UK’s proposed inquiry would be based on draft legislation prepared by the campaign group Crush Crime, an organization dedicated to justice reform. The inquiry would:
- Be statutory, meaning witnesses could be compelled to testify.
- Examine the failures of law enforcement, social services, and political leaders.
- Explore how political correctness or fear of racial tensions influenced decision-making.
- Recommend future safeguards to prevent recurrence.
Farage emphasized that the inquiry would prioritize the voices of survivors and seek to restore public trust in Britain’s institutions.
The Role of Crush Crime Campaign Group
A major component behind the push for this inquiry is the campaign group Crush Crime, which has been instrumental in shaping the proposed legislation Reform UK is championing. Crush Crime has long advocated for tougher action against grooming gangs and greater transparency from public institutions.
Their draft bill ensures that the inquiry would not be a mere formality but a powerful, independent investigation with real legal authority. Under the proposal, survivors would be given a central voice, and institutions could face legal consequences if found complicit or negligent.
The group’s involvement underscores Reform UK’s commitment to ensuring the inquiry is survivor-led and focused on real accountability, not political posturing.
Public Reaction and Support for the Inquiry
Initial public reaction to Reform UK’s pledge has been overwhelmingly supportive, especially among communities directly affected by past grooming scandals. Many see this as long-overdue action after years of governmental failures to tackle the issue head-on.
Social media platforms have been buzzing with discussions, with hashtags like #JusticeForVictims and #InquiryNow trending across Britain. Victim advocacy groups have welcomed the pledge, though they cautiously remind politicians that any inquiry must lead to real change, not just political headlines.
The widespread public support indicates that the issue remains deeply resonant and could become a major voting factor in the upcoming election.
Critics and Concerns About Political Motivations
However, the pledge has not been without criticism. Some political commentators and rival parties have accused Reform UK of using the highly sensitive issue of grooming gangs for political gain.
Critics argue that while an inquiry is important, it must be handled carefully to avoid inflaming racial tensions or being weaponized for populist rhetoric. Some worry that focusing heavily on ethnicity, rather than institutional failures across all demographics, could lead to further societal divisions.
Reform UK has responded by insisting that their goal is justice for victims, not political point-scoring, and that the inquiry will be evidence-based and impartial.
Historical Context: Past Investigations and Their Shortcomings
Previous investigations into grooming gangs—such as the Jay Report into Rotherham and the Casey Report into Greater Manchester—revealed shocking systemic failures. These reports highlighted how authorities often ignored or downplayed cases of abuse due to fear of being labeled racist or causing unrest.
Despite these findings, no full national inquiry has ever been undertaken. Many of the reports were limited in scope, focusing only on specific towns or regions rather than the broader national pattern.
Reform UK argues that only a comprehensive, nationwide investigation can identify and correct the systemic issues that allowed these atrocities to persist for so long.
The Broader Political Impact of the Pledge
The grooming gangs inquiry pledge has injected new energy into Reform UK’s campaign, helping to differentiate the party from both Conservatives and Labour. Law and order, already a major theme in the 2025 election, is now even more at the forefront.
political analysts suggest this move could siphon votes away from the Conservatives, particularly among working-class voters who feel let down by the political establishment. If executed carefully, this strategy could significantly boost Reform UK’s parliamentary representation and position them as kingmakers—or even major players—in the next government.
However, success will depend on maintaining a delicate balance between advocating for justice and avoiding accusations of dog-whistle politics.
