The Conservatives' attempts to force MPs to vote for a statutory inquiry into child sex gangs would not lead to an inquiry, even if it's supported in the Commons. As part of the ongoing debate on the topic, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has said her party plans to table an amendment on Wednesday to the Children's Wellbeing Bill to require a statutory inquiry into grooming gangs.
Writing on X, Ms Badenoch said she hoped "MPs from all parties" would support the inquiry. Passing the amendment, however, would not force the government to launch such an inquiry necessarily - and would instead kill the legislation. Politics Live: No 10 gives no timetable for abuse report.
Here's why... What is the point of the amendment?. First off, it's important to note that the primary purpose of moves like this is the politics, rather than the procedure. By forcing a vote on an amendment - with Labour opposing it - the Conservatives will be able to point to Labour and say they voted against an inquiry.
Labour's massive majority means the Tories have an almost zero chance of winning - and this kind of move is made by all oppositions. Conservative strategists will also hope it foments unrest on the Labour benches if there are MPs unhappy with Downing Street's or Sir Keir Starmer's response to the issue.
Read more:Failure to report child sex abuse to become criminal offenceStarmer addresses calls for an inquiryAnalysis: How should politicians handle Elon Musk. Why would supporting the amendment not cause an inquiry?. It is at this point we get into the weeds of parliamentary procedure.
