Why is Elon Musk attacking Keir Starmer over grooming gang scandal and will there be an inquiry?
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Labour government facing pressure over its response to grooming gangs. Billionaire and owner of X Elon Musk has attacked Sir Keir Starmer and the Labour government over its response to grooming gangs in the UK. Pressure has mounted on the prime minister after safeguarding minister Jess Phillips denied requests for the Home Office to lead a public inquiry into child sexual exploitation and grooming in Oldham.
![[Mr Musk heavily criticised Jess Phillips (Jordan Pettitt/PA)]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/03/10/7125e7e09cde30d175f206d5e2d95718Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzM1OTg2MzE4-2.78321683.jpg)
The tech billionaire triggered an attack on the government on Thursday, as he suggested Ms Phillips “deserves to be in prison”. He also appeared to place blame at Starmer’s door, arguing that “rape gangs were allowed to exploit young girls without facing justice” during Sir Keir’s time as director of public prosecutions.
![[Health Secretary Wes Streeting told ITV News that ministers took child sexual exploitation “incredibly seriously”.]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/03/16/SEI234831319-%281%29.jpg)
Since the Tesla boss posted his claims on X, several high profile figures including Tory leader Kemi Badenoch have also spoken out calling for a full inquiry into the sexual abuse. Here’s what we know about the why Keir Starmer is under fire over grooming gang scandal and whether there will be an inquiry:.
The criticism began after safeguarding minister Jess Phillips formally denied requests for the Home Office to lead a public inquiry into child sexual exploitation and grooming in Oldham. Ms Phillips said she recognised the “strength of feeling” for a Home Office-led inquiry, but she told the local council the Government will not “intervene”.
