MPs vote against new national inquiry into grooming gangs
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A Tory bid to launch a new national inquiry into the grooming gangs scandal has been voted down by MPs. MPs rejected the amendment to the Children's Wellbeing Bill by 364 to 111. However, even had the Commons supported the measure, it wouldn't have actually forced the government to open the desired inquiry, due to parliamentary procedure.
Instead, it would have killed the government's legislation, the aim of which is to reform things like the children's care system and raise educational standards in schools. Follow politics latest: Reaction to vote. Tonight's vote was largely symbolic - aimed at putting pressure on Labour following days of headlines after comments by Elon Musk brought grooming gangs back into the spotlight.
The world's richest man has hit out at Sir Keir Starmer and safeguarding minister Jess Phillips, after she rejected a new national inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Oldham, saying this should be done at a local level instead. The Tories also previously said an Oldham inquiry should be done locally and in 2015 commissioned a seven-year national inquiry into child sex abuse which looked at grooming gangs.
However, they didn't implement any of its recommendations while in office - and Sir Keir has vowed to do so instead of launching a fresh investigation into the subject. Jess Phillips exclusive:Victims can have inquiry if they want one. Follow our channel and never miss an update.
