Fact Check: Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a full national statutory inquiry into grooming gangs in England and Wales on October 14, 2023.

Fact Check: "Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a full national statutory inquiry into grooming gangs in England and Wales on October 14, 2023."

What We Know

The claim that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a full national statutory inquiry into grooming gangs on October 14, 2023, is inaccurate. On April 3, 2023, Sunak did announce the establishment of a new Grooming Gangs Taskforce aimed at tackling grooming gangs and enhancing police investigations into child sexual exploitation (GOV.UK). However, there has been no official announcement from Sunak regarding a statutory inquiry into grooming gangs as of the date specified in the claim.

In fact, the idea of a national inquiry into grooming gangs has been more prominently associated with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who has recently committed to launching such an inquiry (BBC, Reuters). The Labour Party's position on this issue contrasts with the government's approach, which has focused on task forces and legislative changes rather than a full inquiry.

Analysis

The claim appears to stem from a misunderstanding or misrepresentation of recent political developments regarding grooming gangs in the UK. The announcement made by Rishi Sunak in April 2023 was focused on creating a taskforce to combat grooming gangs, not a statutory inquiry (GOV.UK). This taskforce is designed to assist police forces with ongoing investigations and improve data collection related to these crimes.

Additionally, Sir Keir Starmer's recent announcement about a national inquiry into grooming gangs indicates a shift in the political landscape, with the Labour Party taking a more proactive stance on this issue (GB News, LBC). This context is crucial for understanding the current discourse surrounding grooming gangs and the government's response.

The sources used to substantiate the claim about Sunak's announcement do not support the assertion that he called for a statutory inquiry. Instead, they highlight the government's focus on task forces and legislative measures, which are distinct from an inquiry that would involve a broader investigation into systemic issues.

Conclusion

Verdict: False. The claim that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a full national statutory inquiry into grooming gangs on October 14, 2023, is incorrect. While there have been significant discussions and announcements regarding tackling grooming gangs, including the establishment of a taskforce, there has been no announcement of a statutory inquiry by Sunak. The inquiry discussions are primarily associated with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.

Sources

1. PM to clamp down on Grooming Gangs - GOV.UK
2. Government response to the final report of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse - GOV.UK
3. Sir Keir Starmer announces national inquiry into grooming gangs - BBC
4. Rishi Sunak criticises political correctness over grooming - BBC
5. Britain's Starmer: There will be a national inquiry into 'grooming gangs' - Reuters
6. Child sexual abuse in the United Kingdom - Wikipedia
7. Keir Starmer orders full-scale national inquiry into grooming gang - GB News
8. Starmer U-turns on grooming gangs: PM orders statutory - LBC