PM dodges direct question about whether he ‘owes the public an apology’ after reversing position on national inquiry
Sir Keir Starmer has pointedly refused to apologise for his dramatic U-turn on holding a national inquiry into grooming gangs – after previously dismissing campaigners as jumping on a “far-right bandwagon.”
The Prime Minister was grilled yesterday on whether he “owes the public an apology” after reversing his position on a statutory investigation into the scandal that saw thousands of girls sexually abused by gangs of mostly Pakistani men.
When directly asked “do you?” owe an apology, Starmer conspicuously failed to offer one, instead launching into a lengthy explanation of his decision-making process.
The awkward exchange came as the PM faced mounting criticism for taking six months to act on calls for a national inquiry – which he had vigorously opposed as recently as January.
‘Far-Right’ Slur
In January, Starmer had lashed out at politicians “calling for inquiries because they want to jump on the bandwagon of the far right” – a comment that sparked fury among campaigners and victims’ advocates.
At the time, he accused senior Tories of “amplifying what the far-right is saying” on child sexual abuse, despite widespread public support for a full investigation.
A poll showed 76 per cent of British adults backed demands for a national inquiry – undermining Starmer’s attempts to portray it as a fringe issue.
The U-Turn
During yesterday’s grilling, Starmer tried to justify his about-face by claiming he had commissioned Baroness Louise Casey to conduct an audit to “double-check” whether an inquiry was needed.
“She’s carried out that audit. She’s presented that to me. I’ve read it in full and on the basis of what she’s found. She says there should be a national inquiry,” he said.
“I’ve looked at her report. I’ve considered that material. I think she’s right. And that’s why there’ll be a national inquiry. It’ll be a statutory inquiry. It’ll go wherever it needs to go.”
Scathing Criticism
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch led the charge against the PM, demanding he apologise for “six wasted months.
Just like he dismissed concerns about the winter fuel payment and then had to U-turn, just like he needed the Supreme Court to tell him what a woman is, he had to be led by the nose to make the correct decision here,” she said.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp pointedly noted how Starmer had accused his party of being “far right” for asking for an inquiry.
Reform UK’s deputy leader Richard Tice branded it a “massive Starmer U-turn due to a fear of Reform UK,” adding: “Once again, Labour copying Reform policy.
Musk’s Influence
The scandal had returned to the political agenda in January after billionaire Elon Musk used his X platform to criticise the British government’s handling of the issue.
Musk had accused Starmer of being “complicit in the rape of Britain” for failing to investigate during his time as Director of Public Prosecutions between 2008 and 2013.
On Saturday, Musk responded to news of the inquiry saying he was “glad to hear this is happening” after being thanked for drawing attention to the matter.
Casey’s Bombshell Report
The PM’s U-turn came after reading Baroness Casey’s report, which is expected to be published today and will reportedly explicitly link the grooming gang issue to men of Pakistani origin.
According to The Times, the review will state that victims were ignored by authorities due to “fears of racism” – a finding that forced Starmer’s hand.
‘Empty Promises’
Grooming gangs whistleblower Maggie Oliver tore into the announcement, calling it an “empty promise” and a “PR exercise.
They’re empty promises, and actually promising survivors and victims they’re going to reopen 250, 500 cases, where are they going to get the officers to do it?” she told GB News.
“Unless you put money in and resources and training and commitment, this is just hot air. I have heard these promises so many times that I am sick and tired of it.”
Political Fallout
The U-turn marks another embarrassing reversal for Starmer’s government, following recent climb-downs on winter fuel payments and other policies.
Critics accused the PM of only acting after being “dragged kicking and screaming” to make the right decision.
Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick said: “First, he described calls for a national inquiry as a ‘far right bandwagon’, then he dismissively batted away victims’ appeals week after week, month after month.
What Happens Next
The statutory inquiry will have legal powers to compel witnesses and will examine institutional failures by councils, police and elected officials in protecting vulnerable girls.
The National Crime Agency has been tasked with leading a nationwide operation to reopen over 800 historic cases and track down perpetrators who evaded justice.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is set to address Parliament today when Baroness Casey’s findings are officially unveiled.
As one campaigner put it: “It’s not the far right who wants a public national inquiry on this incredible scandal, it’s the British people. We need to listen to the British people.”
Image credit:
Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosts Council of Nations and Regions (23 May 2025, Lancaster House, London) by Lauren Hurley / No 10 Downing Street, licensed under the UK Open Government Licence v3.0 (Crown copyright), via Wikimedia Commons
