UK Grooming Gangs Inquiry writes to survivors first
You may have seen the new Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs begin by writing directly to victims and survivors. Dated 9 December 2025 and published today, the letter sets a clear pledge: independence, openness and a focus on truth and accountability.
Let’s set out what an independent inquiry means. In the UK, a statutory public inquiry is established under the Inquiries Act 2005. It can compel documents and witnesses, hold hearings, and publish findings. It is not a criminal trial, but any evidence of alleged crime can be passed to the police. The government has said this inquiry will have full legal powers to do that.
Why now? In June 2025, Baroness Louise Casey’s rapid National Audit on group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse recommended a time‑limited, targeted inquiry to examine failures by public bodies and drive change. Ministers accepted the case, and on 9 December 2025 the Home Secretary confirmed the chair, panel and draft terms.
Who is leading the work? Former Children’s Commissioner Baroness Anne Longfield CBE is chair. She is joined by Zoë Billingham CBE, previously at the police inspectorate and now an NHS trust chair, and Eleanor Kelly CBE, former chief executive of Southwark Council. Baroness Casey recommended the trio to ministers.
What the letter says in plain terms: the chair and panellists acknowledge broken promises in the past and commit to earning trust. They will meet survivor groups in the first months, consult on how the inquiry runs, and won’t avoid difficult truths, including questions about culture and ethnicity where the evidence requires it.
What the inquiry will look at: the draft terms focus on ‘grooming gangs’-a specific form of group‑based child sexual exploitation-and examine how councils, police, schools, health and other services responded. It will consider whether ethnicity, religion or culture shaped those responses, identify failures, and make local and national recommendations.
How you can take part. The chair will consult on the draft terms in January, then agree final terms by March 2026 when the inquiry is formally established. A victims and survivors charter will explain how testimony will be used, and a dedicated website with contact details is due in the new year.
Your rights if you choose to speak. Under the Victims’ Code, you have rights to information, support and the chance to use ‘special measures’ (like giving evidence by live link or pre‑recorded cross‑examination) if a criminal case follows. In most sexual offence cases, victims have lifelong anonymity in law unless they choose to waive it.
A safeguarding note. Reading or sharing experiences of abuse can be distressing. If you need support, the GOV.UK inquiry page signposts services for victims and families. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 999. Talk to a trusted adult or specialist support worker when making decisions about participation.
Key dates at a glance. Draft terms and appointments were announced on 9 December 2025; public consultation follows in January; final terms by March 2026. The inquiry will run for up to three years with a £65 million budget, publishing local findings along the way and a final report at the end.
How the inquiry links to policing. A parallel National Crime Agency operation-Operation Beaconport-is reviewing cases and pursuing offenders. The inquiry’s role is to hold agencies to account; any new evidence of crimes arising from witness accounts is passed to the police.
A quick media literacy check. The term ‘grooming gangs’ refers to a specific pattern of abuse involving multiple perpetrators. It does not cover all child sexual abuse, which can also occur in families or by lone offenders. The inquiry’s focus is narrow by design; it aims to confront facts without fuelling prejudice.