UK Grooming Gangs: A Persistent Crisis Demanding Action, By Richard Miller (Londonistan)
In a recent interview with The Times, a filmmaker who exposed the horrors of UK grooming gangs declared, "Things are worse now."
This stark warning reflects a grim reality: despite years of high-profile convictions and public outcry, organised child sexual exploitation (CSE) by grooming gangs remains a pervasive issue across Britain. From Rotherham to Rochdale, the evidence is clear—systemic failures, unprosecuted perpetrators, and evolving tactics have allowed this crisis to fester. It's time for a national reckoning to confront this ongoing tragedy.
The UK grooming gangs scandal emerged in the early 2000s, exposing organised networks—predominantly of British-Pakistani men—who systematically groomed and abused vulnerable young girls, often aged 12-16, from disadvantaged backgrounds. These crimes, concentrated in northern and Midlands towns like Rotherham, Rochdale, Oldham, Telford, and Huddersfield, involved horrific tactics: luring girls with gifts, alcohol, or drugs, followed by rape, trafficking, and coercion.
The scale is staggering. In Rotherham, investigative reporting by The Times' Andrew Norfolk revealed at least 1,400 victims between 1997 and 2013. Telford estimates over 1,000 victims over decades. A 2022 Rochdale inquiry identified 74 probable victims, with evidence suggesting a far broader problem. These numbers, combined with convictions in dozens of towns, paint a picture of widespread, organised abuse that exploited systemic vulnerabilities.
Far from being a resolved issue, grooming gangs remain active in 2025. Senior investigating officer Simon Morton, speaking in Oxford in January, confirmed that members of a Pakistani rape gang who evaded capture "are still out there." He linked dozens of child sexual abuse reports to a single crime group, stating, "This is happening in every city." Former detective and whistleblower Maggie Oliver echoed this on Good Morning Britain in April 2025, asserting that grooming gangs in northern England "100% are" still operating.
Media reports reinforce these claims. A January 2025 Daily Mail article mapped grooming gang activities across 41 UK towns, noting that many convicted perpetrators are now free, posing ongoing risks. Posts on X, including from journalist Julie Bindel, suggest the problem persists, with some alleging that gangs now target non-white girls, indicating evolving tactics. The 2022 Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) admitted it couldn't fully quantify the issue, excluding well-documented cases like Rotherham, which suggests the true scale remains unknown.
The filmmaker's claim that "things are worse now" stems from several factors. First, systemic failures persist. Police and social services have been criticised for dismissing victims or failing to act due to fears of being labelled racist—a problem highlighted as early as 2002 by Labour MP Ann Cryer. Second, many perpetrators remain at large, and convicted offenders are often released back into communities. Third, grooming tactics may have adapted, with gangs potentially using online platforms or targeting new demographics.
Political inaction exacerbates the crisis. In January 2025, Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips rejected calls for a national inquiry into historical grooming in Oldham, arguing that local councils should lead investigations. This decision drew criticism from figures like Elon Musk, who accused authorities of inaction. The absence of a comprehensive national response leaves victims without justice and communities vulnerable.
Public distrust also fuels the perception of a worsening situation. While claims of media "cover-ups" are understated, accusations of institutional reluctance to confront the problem head-on persist. This tension, combined with limited prosecutions in some areas, creates a sense that the crisis is unresolved or escalating.
The persistence of grooming gangs demands urgent, comprehensive action. A national inquiry, as advocated by victims' groups and some politicians, could clarify the full extent of the problem and hold institutions accountable. Strengthening police and social service responses, prioritising victim support, and ensuring harsher penalties for perpetrators are critical steps. Additionally, addressing the social and political sensitivities that have hindered action—without fuelling division—is essential to building trust and driving change.
The UK grooming gangs scandal is not a relic of the past but a living crisis. The filmmaker's assertion that "things are worse now" is backed by evidence of ongoing abuse, systemic failures, and inadequate responses. From unprosecuted perpetrators to evolving grooming tactics, the problem persists in towns across Britain. It's time to confront this tragedy with the urgency it demands—through national inquiries, robust policies, and unwavering commitment to justice for victims. Only then can the UK begin to heal the wounds of this enduring scandal.
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