UK Grooming Gangs Controversy: Focus on Pakistan and Political Debate

The controversy surrounding grooming gangs in the UK has escalated, with increasing attention on the systematic sexual exploitation of primarily British girls by men of Pakistani descent in northern England. Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi recently stated that the issue should not be blamed on all of Asia, but rather on "one rogue nation," Pakistan, a view supported by Elon Musk.

Chaturvedi's comment came as the UK’s opposition Conservative Party proposed a Parliamentary debate on launching a national inquiry into the sexual abuse scandal. The debate has also intensified scrutiny on Labour Party leader Keir Starmer, who, as head of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) between 2008 and 2013, oversaw the first prosecution of an Asian grooming gang. Starmer has dismissed calls for a new inquiry and instead focused on implementing recommendations from a seven-year investigation.

The controversy coincides with the UK’s attention on the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which aims to track children not attending school to better protect vulnerable minors. The bill gained traction following the tragic death of Sara Sharif, a 10-year-old British-Pakistani girl, whose parents were convicted for her murder. The bill moved forward without a formal vote.