Keir Starmer has accused Kemi Badenoch of “bandwagon jumping” after the Conservative leader called for a new inquiry into sexual abuse gangs. The Labour leader also criticized Badenoch’s plan to vote down a bill on children’s wellbeing.
During a heated session at Prime Minister’s Questions, Starmer suggested Badenoch’s sudden interest in the issue was driven by social media, specifically Elon Musk’s tweets.
He said, “She met her recently acquired view that it’s a scandal, having spent a lot of time on social media over Christmas.” Starmer further accused Badenoch of prioritizing “tweeting and talking” overtaking decisive action for victims.
Badenoch defended her stance, arguing that not initiating a new inquiry could fuel suspicions of a governmental “cover-up.” Starmer countered, noting Badenoch’s previous roles, including children’s minister, and pointed out her lack of prior parliamentary engagement on this topic.
He said, “It’s only in recent days she’s jumped on the bandwagon.” Inviting her to prove otherwise, Starmer added, “If I’m wrong about that, and she has raised it, then I invite her to say that now, and I will happily withdraw the remark.”
Badenoch responded, stating she had “raised it in speeches” but had not addressed it in the Commons due to her non-involvement with the Home Office. She emphasized the importance of the inquiry, claiming it would ensure accountability through witness testimonies under oath.
Call for New Inquiry Sparks Debate
Badenoch’s push for a fresh inquiry precedes a Commons vote on an amendment to the children’s wellbeing and schools bill, which is scheduled for its second reading. The Conservatives aim to use this amendment to force an inquiry.
Starmer expressed concern that another national inquiry would delay implementing the recommendations from the 2022 report by Prof. Alexis Jay. He shared his discussions with survivors of grooming gangs, saying they preferred immediate action over another investigation. He acknowledged that other survivors might hold different views but stressed the need for rapid policy implementation.
The Labour leader criticized the proposed amendment, arguing that it would halt progress on crucial aspects of the children’s wellbeing and schools bill. This bill addresses several child welfare issues, such as restricting automatic home-schooling for children under protection plans. Starmer highlighted the case of 10-year-old Sara Sharif, whose tragic death could have been prevented by the bill’s provisions.
Badenoch maintained that Labour MPs should support the inquiry, implying that opposing it would let down their constituents affected by abuse gangs. She challenged Labour’s position, asking, “How are they going to explain to their constituents that obeying his whip is more important than doing the right thing?”
Starmer urged MPs to support the bill, emphasizing its potential to protect vulnerable children. He concluded by appealing directly to Conservative MPs, “I implore them, vote for the bill.”
The debate over the inquiry highlights the ongoing tension between the need for thorough investigations and the urgency of implementing reforms to safeguard children. Both leaders continue to assert their commitment to addressing the abuse scandals, though their strategies and priorities differ.
As the Commons prepares for the vote, the issue remains a significant point of contention, reflecting broader concerns about government accountability and the welfare of vulnerable populations.
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