Sir Keir Starmer has been grilled at Prime Minister’s Questions over his Government’s handling of the national grooming gangs inquiry.
Four women have resigned from the inquiry's victims and survivors liaison panel, citing concerns about a “toxic environment” and a “cover-up”.
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds told Times Radio she was “sorry if they felt let down by the process”.
Speaking to ITV's Good Morning Britain, Ms Reynolds acknowledged the Government needs to “rebuild that confidence and rebuild that trust” with victims and survivors.
It comes as the London Standard published an investigation into the capital’s grooming gangs shame, revealing how political leaders and police have failed to properly identify and tackle the problem and allowing abusers to continue to prey on young girls.
Follow the latest updated below...
Key Points
Lib Dem leader Ed Davey calls for a new EU-UK customs deal
12:39 , Nuray BulbulLiberal Democrat leader Ed Davey focused his questions on the Crown Estate and the economy.
Regarding the Crown Estate, he stressed the need for scrutiny to safeguard taxpayers’ interests, a point Sir Keir agreed with.
On the economy, Mr Davey asked whether Labour could finally acknowledge that Brexit was "a disaster," arguing that it shouldn’t be used as a "smokescreen" for tax increases and calling for a new EU-UK customs agreement.
Sir Keir responded that this approach is not the right way forward, while acknowledging the harm caused by Brexit.
Kemi Badenoch: Jess Phillips "doesn't have more experience than the survivors"
12:30 , Nuray BulbulIn her final question, Mrs Badenoch keeps up the pressure on Jess Phillips, the safeguarding minister, asserting that she "doesn't have more experience than the survivors."
She adds that both victims and Conservative MPs are calling for Ms Phillips to be removed and presses Sir Keir on the issue.
Sir Keir responds by highlighting the 14 years the Conservatives were in power and noting that they "barely mentioned" the grooming scandal.
"We have done more in the time we have been in office than they have done in 14 years," he states.
Sir Keir supports a select committee investigation into Prince Andrew
12:27 , Nuray BulbulAddressing the Prince Andrew scandal, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey asked if Sir Keir Starmer would “support a select committee inquiry so all those involved should be called for evidence including the current occupant.”
Sir Keir replied: “It’s important in relation to all properties, Crown properties, that there is proper scrutiny so I certainly support that.”
Sir Keir: Baroness Casey advised against appointing a judge in her review
12:25 , Nuray BulbulMrs Badenoch continues pressing on grooming gangs, repeating her earlier question: what is the point of victims coming forward if they won’t be believed?
She highlights that 10 months have passed since the Conservatives called for a national inquiry, yet a chair has still not been appointed.
Mrs Badenoch insists survivors want a judge in the role, and they deserve one.
Sir Keir responds that Baroness Casey advised against appointing a judge in her review.
He explains the reasoning: first, to ensure the process moves quickly, and second, because a concurrent criminal investigation could be delayed by a judge-led inquiry.
The Prime Minister then addresses mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse cases, telling Mrs Badenoch she “doesn’t understand” how it works and criticising the Tories for voting against this protective measure, saying they should “hang their heads in shame.”
Sir Keir maintains that the national inquiry is not being watered down
12:22 , Nuray BulbulMrs Badenoch tells the Commons that Sir Keir had previously rejected a national inquiry during the first PMQs of this year, and she points out that, despite his statements, survivors have resigned from the inquiry.
Sir Keir emphasises that the inquiry’s scope will not be reduced and that it will address cultural and religious factors.
He adds that Baroness Louise Casey has been appointed to assist with the inquiry.
The Prime Minister stresses that placing survivors at the centre is the top priority and notes that his government has reopened 12,000 previously closed historical cases.
Tory leader accuses the Government of being engaged in "a briefing war against survivors"
12:19 , Nuray Bulbul
Mrs Badenoch continues to challenge Sir Keir on the grooming gangs inquiry, suggesting that Fiona—a survivor who resigned from the inquiry panel this week—would likely be dissatisfied with his previous response.
The Conservative leader accuses the government of waging "a briefing war against survivors" and cites another survivor, “Elizabeth” (a pseudonym), who she says was abused in Rotherham from the age of 14.
Mrs Badenoch quotes Elizabeth as claiming the government has "created a toxic environment for survivors."
Sir Keir responds by acknowledging that survivors have endured "the most awful ordeals" and stresses his determination to "press on" and ensure that "survivors are at the heart of the inquiry."
Sir Keir Starmer says the Government's working hard to ensure inquiry's done right
12:17 , Nuray Bulbul
Sir Keir Starmer described the national grooming scandal as one of the most serious in recent history, noting that survivors have long been neglected, including by the state.
He acknowledged problems with the inquiry but emphasized his commitment to placing survivors at the centre of its process.
Sir Keir added that his Government is taking steps to ensure the inquiry is handled properly, though he admitted it is a challenging task.
Kemi Badenoch raises grooming gang survivor's question
12:13 , Nuray BulbulThe Conservative leader said: “Four victims on the rape gangs survivors’ panel have resigned and they’ve resigned because they’ve lost all confidence in the Government’s inquiry. So I’m giving my first question to one of them, to Fiona.
“She said: ‘Being dismissed and contradicted by a minister when you’re telling the truth takes you right back to that feeling of not being believed all over again’. Fiona’s question is simple. What’s the point in speaking up if we’re just going to be called liars?”
Sir Keir replied: “Can I thank her for raising that on behalf of Fiona? The grooming scandal was one of the worst scandals of all time. Women and girls were abused and exploited by predatory gangs of men and survivors have been ignored for many years including by the state that is of course supposed to protect them.
“My vow to Fiona and them is that this national inquiry will change that. I do acknowledge that in recent days some members including Fiona have decided to step away from the panel. I say this, should they wish to return, the door will always be open. But even if they do not, we owe it to them and to Fiona and to the country to answer the concerns that they have raised. The inquiry is not and will never be watered down. Its scope will not change. It will examine the ethnicity and the religion of the offenders and we will find the right person to chair the inquiry.
“I can tell the House today that Dame Louise Casey will support the inquiry and it will get to the truth and justice will have no place ot hide.”
Sir Keir Starmer acknowledges Claire Throsell
12:06 , Nuray BulbulSir Keir Starmer acknowledged Claire Throssell, who was observing Prime Minister’s Questions from the public gallery.
Ms Throssell’s sons, Jack, 12, and Paul, nine, were killed in a house fire set by her ex-husband, Darren Sykes, in October 2014, after he had invited them over to play with a train set.
Sir Keir commented: “Claire’s bravery and her campaign is humbling and today I’m pleased we can announce that we will repeal the presumption of parental involvement, putting children’s safety first.”
The Government plans to amend a law that currently instructs the Family Court to generally assume that maintaining contact with both parents serves a child’s best interests.
Which other topics may the Prime Minister cover?
11:59 , Nuray BulbulSir Keir Starmer may also come under scrutiny regarding the China spying case.
Over the weekend, Kemi Badenoch accused Sir Keir of giving “false” explanations for the collapse of the China spy trial.
The Conservative leader alleged that the Prime Minister had been “misleading” both Parliament and the public in an effort to divert responsibility for the scandal away from Downing Street.
There may also be a few questions on the continuing controversy surrounding Prince Andrew, in particularly his financial situation after losing financial support from the King.
Less than 10 minutes to go
11:53 , Nuray BulbulSir Keir Starmer will shortly arrive and begin the PMQs at the House of Commons Chamber.
Food and non-alcoholic drink prices fall
11:51 , Nuray BulbulFood and non-alcoholic drinks prices fell for first time since May 2024, but petrol prices and airfares drove up costs, after it was announced that the UK inflation rate held at 3.8%.
PMQs to start soon
11:42 , Nuray Bulbul
Sir Keir Starmer will face leader of the Conservative Party Kemi Badenoch at 12.
A number of MPs including Dr Roz Savage and Michelle Welsh will also ask oral questions to the prime minister.
The Standard uncovers the real story of London’s harrowing grooming gang epidemic
11:39 , Nuray BulbulThe Standard has carried out an exclusive investigation into grooming gangs operating in London.
We interviewed social workers, charities, experts, and survivors, all of whom said that gang-related sexual abuse is widespread throughout London.
One solicitor who works with abuse victims said the abuse was "prevalent" in London and is "being brushed under the carpet".
You can read more here.
Rachel Reeves is reportedly preparing a £2 billion “tax-raid” ahead of the next UK Budget
11:37 , Nuray BulbulReeves is reportedly planning to introduce a new charge on limited liability partnerships (LLPs), especially those used by high-earning professionals such as solicitors, accountants and GPs, according to The Times.
The aim is to “equalise the tax treatment” of those working through partnerships vs. ordinary employees, since currently partners in many LLPs are treated as self-employed — meaning they avoid the employer’s National Insurance Contribution (NIC) that applies to regular employees.
Inflation stays unchanged at 3.8%
11:29 , Nuray BulbulAnother hot topic up for discussion as part of today’s PMQs is the UK inflation rate.
UK inflation (Consumer Prices Index) for September held steady at 3.8% — it did not rise as many economists had expected
Because inflation did not increase, the pressure on the Chancellor Rachel Reeves and her upcoming Budget is somewhat eased. A lower or stable inflation rate means fewer inflation-driven costs and less risk of further spiralling price pressures.
In practical terms, this means Reeves has a slightly better platform ahead of the forthcoming Budget (scheduled for 26 November). The better inflation figure gives her a marginally stronger position from which to announce tax, spending or borrowing measures.
While the inflation rate holding at 3.8% is “good news”, it’s still well above the Bank of England’s 2% target.
Other macro indicators remain weak. For example, borrowing has reached a five-year high for September, indicating the public finances are under significant strain.
Reeves has already signalled that the Budget will involve “tough decisions” — possible tax rises and spending cuts — because of the “economic damage” the UK economy has suffered (which she attributes partly to Brexit and past austerity).
It will be interesting to see how Reeves uses today’s inflation data in her Budget narrative: Will she emphasise the positive momentum? Will she use it to justify protective measures for households?
PMQs expected to focus on the national grooming gangs inquiry
11:03 , Nuray BulbulAt today’s Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs), Keir Starmer is expected to face sharp questions about the handling of the national inquiry into grooming gangs.
The focus will be on the ongoing investigation into group-based child sexual exploitation and, in particular, how the Government is responding to mounting concerns about the process.
Several survivors on the inquiry’s victims-and-survivors oversight panel have resigned, citing a “toxic environment” and a sense that the inquiry is being diluted.
The Government faces accusations of delay, lack of clarity on the inquiry’s scope, and failure to appoint a chair or set formal terms of reference, which raises questions about whether the inquiry is “chaotic”.
Opposition MPs and campaigners will likely press Sir Keir on actions to rebuild trust with survivors, ensure the inquiry’s focus remains sharp (on grooming gangs rather than broader child-sexual-abuse issues), and prevent any perceived watering-down of its remit.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has publicly declared the inquiry will “never be watered down”, saying its scope will remain fixed on grooming gangs, it will have statutory powers (including compelling evidence), and it will specifically examine ethnicity and religion of offenders.
Officials suggest today’s PMQs provide a chance for Sir Keir to reset the narrative: to show he is in control of the inquiry process, responsive to victims’ concerns, and committed to delivering justice rather than just reviewing failures.
