Tories Urge UK Grooming Gang Inquiry Expansion to Scotland Amid SNP Delays

The UK's statutory inquiry into grooming gangs should be extended to Scotland, according to the Shadow Scottish Secretary, Harriet Cross. Cross has written to the Home Secretary advocating for the Westminster-led investigation, chaired by Baroness Anne Longfield, to encompass group-based child sexual abuse north of the border. This call comes amid concerns over delays in the Scottish government's own parallel inquiry.

In her letter, signed by all Scottish Conservative MPs, Cross highlighted reports of victims across all 32 Scottish council areas. The UK inquiry, which commenced in April, currently has terms of reference limited to England and Wales. Cross argues that excluding Scotland provides an incomplete view of the scale and nature of grooming gang activities within the United Kingdom.

The Scottish government announced its own statutory public inquiry into group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation in February, led by child sex abuse expert Professor Alexis Jay. However, Cross criticized this inquiry as "lagging behind," noting that its scope and terms of reference have yet to be fully defined. She stated that victims in Scotland have endured prolonged waits for answers and justice comparable to those in other parts of the UK.

The UK inquiry has already broadened its scope to examine failures by statutory services in relevant local areas between 1996 and March 2029, the conclusion of its three-year mandate. Investigations have been announced in Wales and Birmingham, as well as in areas including Oldham, Bradford, Keighley, and London. Cross believes Scottish victims warrant a similarly comprehensive examination.

Responding to the concerns, Holyrood Education Secretary Màiri McAllan affirmed that work is underway with Professor Alexis Jay to establish the public inquiry "at pace." She indicated that the inquiry's Terms of Reference are being finalized based on Professor Jay's consultations with victims, survivors, and representative organizations, and will be published soon, followed by the inquiry's commencement.

McAllan also mentioned a national review led by the Inspectorate and a case review by Police Scotland. Furthermore, a "Scottish Truth Project," aimed at providing survivors a supportive environment to share their experiences, is reportedly well advanced. She emphasized the importance of taking sufficient time to ensure the process is thorough and effective for survivors.

Despite these assurances, Cross maintains that Scotland should be integrated into the Westminster investigation rather than pursuing two separate inquiries. Past cases cited include the sentencing of five individuals last year for abusing women in Dundee between 2021 and 2022, and the life sentences given to seven members of a child sexual abuse ring in Glasgow for prolonged abuse of children under 13 over a seven-year period.