SIR KEIR STARMER announced today that a full national inquiry into grooming gangs will go ahead after all.

Children’s charity NSPCC welcomed the PM’s decision, but said it should not delay “long overdue” action against child sexual abuse.

NSPCC chief executive Chris Sherwood said: “We are pleased to see the Prime Minister engaging with the recommendations set out in the Casey Review and will also read it line by line when it is published.

“But a national inquiry into abuse by organised networks must not delay urgent action on child sexual abuse that is long overdue.

“Survivors have already waited more than two years for the important recommendations from the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse (IICSA) to be implemented."

Earlier this year, Labour dismissed calls for a public inquiry into grooming gangs, saying that its focus was putting in place outstanding recommendations already made in the IICSA.

But far-right figures such as Elon Musk, Tommy Robinson and Nigel Farage amplified interest in the scandal, focusing on cases involving Asian men.

According to 2024 data released by the National Police Chiefs Council, most (85 per cent) grooming gang offences are carried out by white men.

Speaking to reporters while on his visit to Canada, Sir Keir said: “I have never said we should not look again at any issue. 

“I have wanted to be assured that on the question of any inquiry. That’s why I asked Louise Casey, who I hugely respect, to do an audit.

“Her position when she started the audit was that there was not a real need for a national inquiry over and above what was going on.

“She has looked at the material she has looked at and she has come to the view that there should be a national inquiry on the basis of what she has seen.

“I have read every single word of her report and I am going to accept her recommendation.”

The review’s findings will be set out in Parliament today, the Times reported.