Kemi Badenoch, leader of the UK Conservative Party, has sparked controversy by attributing the grooming gang crisis to immigrants from “very rural” and impoverished backgrounds. Her comments came during an interview with GB News, where she reiterated the need for a national inquiry into the scandal.
Discussing the perpetrators of grooming crimes, Badenoch stated, “There’s a systematic pattern of behavior, not even just from one country, but from sub-communities within those countries. People with a particular work background, very poor, almost peasant-like, often cut off even from their home countries.”
She warned against generalizing or spreading misinformation, emphasizing that innocent people might be unfairly grouped with offenders. However, Badenoch stressed the importance of holding perpetrators accountable and exposing those who failed to protect victims.
When asked about Badenoch’s remarks, Downing Street distanced itself from her language. A spokesman for Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “It’s not the language he’s used or would use.”
The debate over a national inquiry into grooming gangs has gained momentum, with Badenoch repeatedly clashing with Starmer over the issue. While the government has favored locally-led inquiries, Badenoch argued that a national investigation would uncover the truth and deliver justice for victims.
“This is about those victims who deserve justice,” she said. “Every single perpetrator we can find must be caught and brought to justice. Those who failed in their duty to protect children must be held accountable.”
Her call for a national inquiry has been echoed by Labour MP Sarah Champion, who proposed a nationwide, Home Office-led investigation modeled on the inquiry into Telford’s grooming gangs. Champion argued that the public distrusts governments and authorities when it comes to preventing and prosecuting child sexual exploitation.
“Child sexual abuse is endemic in the UK and needs to be recognized as a national priority,” Champion said. “A nationwide inquiry would help address systemic failures and rebuild public trust.”
