NCA to lead nationwide police operation into grooming gangs, Home Secretary announces

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said for the first time this will bring together all arms of the policing response and will “develop a rigorous new national operating model which all forces across the country will be able to adopt”.

Addressing the Commons, she said this will ensure grooming gangs “are always treated as serious and organised crime”.

Baroness Casey’s national audit on group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse identified a deep-rooted failure to protect children and teenage girls from rape, exploitation and serious violence.

In particular, she said the ethnicity of people involved in grooming gangs has been “shied away from” by authorities.

In the report, Baroness Casey said: “The question of the ethnicity of perpetrators has been a key question for this audit, having been raised in inquiries and reports going back many years.

“We found that the ethnicity of perpetrators is shied away from and is still not recorded for two-thirds of perpetrators, so we are unable to provide any accurate assessment from the nationally collected data.”

She refers to “examples of organisations avoiding the topic altogether for fear of appearing racist or raising community tensions”.

Despite the lack of a full picture in the national data sets, Baroness Casey said there is enough evidence available in local police data in three police force areas – Greater Manchester, South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire – to show “disproportionate numbers of men from Asian ethnic backgrounds amongst suspects for group-based child sexual exploitation”.

On Friday (June 13), seven men were found guilty of grooming vulnerable girls in Rochdale between 2000 and 2006.

“They were convicted of treating teenage girls as sex slaves – repeatedly raping them in filthy flats, alleyways and warehouses,” said the Home Secretary. “The perpetrators included taxi drivers and market traders of Pakistani heritage, and it has taken 20 years to bring them to justice.”

Baroness Casey said the “appalling lack of data on ethnicity in crime recording alone is a major failing over the last decade or more”.

“Questions about ethnicity have been asked but dodged for years,” she said. “Child sexual exploitation is horrendous whoever commits it, but there have been enough convictions across the country of groups of men from Asian ethnic backgrounds to have warranted closer examination.

“Instead of examination, we have seen obfuscation. In a vacuum, incomplete and unreliable data is used to suit the ends of those presenting it. The system claims there is an overwhelming problem with white perpetrators when that can’t be proved.

“This does no one any favours at all, and least of all those in the Asian, Pakistani or Muslim communities who needlessly suffer as those with malicious intent use this obfuscation to sow and spread hatred.”

She added: “More effort is required to identify the nature of group-based child sexual exploitation and, in particular, the ethnicity of perpetrators and offender motivations, in order to understand it better, and to tackle it more effectively.”

The Home Secretary said the findings of Baroness Casey’s audit were “damning”.

“At its heart she identifies a deep-rooted failure to treat children as children,” said Ms Cooper.

“She finds too much fragmentation in the authorities’ response, too little sharing of information, too much reliance on flawed data, too much denial, too little justice, too many criminals getting off, too many victims being let down.

“Her report concludes that further local investigations are needed but that they should be directed and overseen by a national commission with statutory inquiry powers.

“We agree. And we will set up a national inquiry to that effect.”

The audit describes;

• Victims as young as ten – often those in care, or children with learning or physical disabilities – being singled out for grooming precisely because of their vulnerability;
• Perpetrators still walking free because no one joined the dots or because the law ended up protecting them instead of the victims that they had exploited; and
• Deep rooted institutional failures, stretching back decades, where organisations who should have protected children and punished offenders looked the other way – and Baroness Casey found “blindness, ignorance, prejudice, defensiveness and even good but misdirected intentions” all played a part in this collective failure.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council said Baroness Casey’s report “marks a significant moment for policing”.

Director of the National Centre for Violence Against Women and Girls and Public Protection, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Helen Millichap, said: “The report includes several recommendations with implications for policing which will now be carefully considered.

“The findings of the Baroness Casey audit and the policing response to group-based child sexual exploitation are a sobering reminder of the urgent need for continued cultural change, accountability, and a victim-centred, trauma informed approach from a multi-agency perspective.

“We have made real progress in the way forces now investigate and record these awful crimes, but we know more must be done.

“The findings show clearly that change cannot wait. Police chiefs will now reflect on the findings and work with partners across law enforcement, third sector stakeholders, victims and survivors to reflect on what we have learnt, which must inform how we move forward.

“Policing has made significant strides in its understanding and response to child sexual exploitation and abuse in recent years, but we recognise there is more to do. We thank the many victims and survivors who have worked with police forces and our partners to ensure we take a trauma informed approach to policy making and investigations, with those who matter most at the heart of all we do.

“The report rightly raises the need for improvements in how policing records and uses data, particularly around ethnicity. Ethnicity data is self-defined and only captured where contact is made with an alleged offender, which presents clear challenges. We recognise these gaps and continue to work closely with His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services and the College of Policing to improve the consistency and quality of data collection across all protected characteristics. Improved data will not only inform operational decisions, but ensure we have an increasingly accurate picture.”

She added: “As we have shown in recent years, policing is willing to confront difficult truths. The lessons from cases such as Rotherham and Rochdale have led to significant change, and we remain determined to build on that progress. Every allegation will be taken seriously, every investigation will be professional and evidence-led, and every victim will be treated with empathy, compassion, and respect.

“This report marks a significant moment for policing. We haven’t always got it right, but our resolve is strong. The national Child Sexual Exploitation Taskforce, alongside local forces and partners, will continue to put victims and survivors at the heart of our work, relentlessly pursue those who cause harm, and do everything in our power to prevent these devastating crimes.

“Every child has the right to grow up safe from harm. We owe it to them, and to those whose lives have already been affected, to face these challenges head on and deliver the protection and justice they deserve.”

Greater Manchester Police’s (GMP) lead for vulnerability and public protection, Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker said: “We welcome Baroness Louise Casey’s report and recommendations, and the announcement made by Prime Minister for a national inquiry into grooming gangs.

“GMP will approach this with openness and transparency and welcome the statutory powers this invokes to ensure complete accountability.

“This report confirms many of the issues uncovered by the Mayor of Greater Manchester’s Independent Assurance Reviews and I want to reiterate my apology to all those who have been let down by GMP in the past.

“It is pleasing to see this report provides tangible evidence that the lessons we have already learned in Greater Manchester are now ingrained in our current practice and we are seeing strong outcomes as a result.

“The report highlights good practice in GMP’s collection of data in relation to perpetrators and survivors and reinforces our commitment to tackling this horrendous crime.

“Our unique approach through our dedicated CSE Major Investigation Team, with almost 100 officers and staff investigating serious and complex multi-victim CSE, tangibly shows our improvements and our ambition to drive standards nationally. This is supported by the ten district complex safeguarding teams, who ensure an effective integrated approach across GMP and our partners.

“We know we still have a way to go and are not complacent about the scale of what needs to be done. While we are demonstrably better, we will continue to stay true to our apology to those victims we have previously let down, reflecting on our progress, and act on scrutiny to further improve.

“As such, the recommendations from Baroness Casey’s report will be assessed by our dedicated CSE MIT team, to ensure where we are not already meeting these, we can implement the processes or changes needed to deliver on them, so the survivors within Greater Manchester receive the service and support they truly deserve.”

She added: “In the past week seven men were convicted of 50 offences as part of Operation Lytton. This is the second major investigation into non-recent CSE in Rochdale and brings the total to 32 now brought to justice. We know this would not have been possible without the bravery of the two survivors in this case.

“The fact that for some survivors, they may also have been criminalised only adds to the trauma, so I am pleased to see Baroness Casey make the recommendation to review and potentially quash those convictions where children should have been protected, not left with further stigma, affecting the rest of their lives.

“Survivors place their trust in us to get the justice they deserve so it is vital we provide them with tailored support from us and our partners, taking steps forward at a pace they are comfortable with and in a way that is right for them. We are also acutely aware that of the many survivors we have spoken to, for some the time may not be right for them – but if or when that changes, we will be ready to listen and do all we can, no matter the time that has passed.

“This horrific abuse affects all communities and age groups, and with the structures we now have in place we can address exploitation at all levels, regardless of ethnicity or backgrounds, whether it is committed by gangs, or individuals. We are committed to tackling the exploitation of children, without prejudice and led by the evidence, acting on what survivors tell us.

“Our data shows the current picture of offending and victims in Greater Manchester and reflects similarly across recent and non-recent investigations – we know from previous local reports and our own data we have a higher proportion of Asian offenders compared to other areas of the country. Our position is clear, we will always be led by the evidence, no matter how and where the offences occur.

“Finally, we will do all we can to support the national police investigation being led by the NCA, to investigate those cases which were not previously progressed through the criminal justice system.

“Our commitment remains to get justice for survivors and hold those accountable for these vile crimes.”

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham said: “I welcome news that the Government will order a national inquiry into grooming gangs.

“I have always been open about the limitations of local inquiries which cannot compel those in authority to give evidence. This is why I have been calling for a national inquiry, including a focus on the accountability of decision-makers, and made the case for this to Baroness Casey’s review.

“It is crucial that victims are now consulted about the terms of reference for the national inquiry, so that it provides them with all the answers and accountability they have been seeking.

“We have never flinched from facing up to our systemic failures to protect young people in the past in Greater Manchester, and commissioned a wide-ranging, independent review back in 2017.

“In the light of its three reports to date, GMP continues to bring perpetrators to justice. So far, there have been over 100 arrests and multiple convictions. On Friday, seven more men were handed guilty verdicts at Manchester’s Minshull Street court and are now awaiting sentencing.

“Next month, we will publish the final report from our independent review. We also continue to support Oldham Council with the development of its own local inquiry. As we finalise both, we will respond to all of Baroness Casey’s findings and make sure they are fully incorporated into our approach going forward.”

Assistant Chief Constable Hayley Barnett, South Yorkshire Police portfolio holder for Crime and Criminal Justice, said: “We are thankful to Baroness Casey and her team for taking the time to visit Rotherham to see the improvements already made and those which are still to come, as we remain committed to ensuring our prevention of and response to child sexual exploitation ever evolves to reflect nationally recognised best practice.

“We acknowledge the Prime Minister’s announcement of a national inquiry, and the Home Office’s announcement of a national investigation.

“We commit to continue doing whatever it takes to enable victims and survivors to trust and have confidence in the South Yorkshire Police of today, and to ensuring history cannot repeat itself. This is the approach we have taken throughout the previous independent reviews and the ongoing investigations into incidents in Rotherham in the early 2000’s and the force’s response.

“As soon as we receive the report, we will make a start on reviewing the contents to assure ourselves that our development and service to victims/ survivors is as is, rightly, expected and offenders are brought to justice.”

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “We will of course look thoroughly at Louise Casey’s report and the government’s response, but I know Louise will have been fearless and unwavering in her commitment to justice. That was our experience of her work here in South Yorkshire, which challenged the systems in place at the time and the complacency that had governed the oversight and approach to child sexual exploitation.

“Since Louise’s intervention, the leadership, culture and approach to CSE in Rotherham has been fundamentally transformed. I am grateful to Louise for revisiting Rotherham as part of her work on this review, and continuing to reassure herself and us that those improvements continue.

“But while we may have radically improved our approach here, I am determined we will continue to take a ‘no complacency’ approach that puts victims first. South Yorkshire has learned the hard way that transparency, accountability and a fearless victim-centred approach are the only way in which to properly tackle any instances of horrific sexual abuse perpetrated against children.

“I fully support the government in their efforts to make that a national endeavour, including the proper resourcing of both the Inquiry and its implementation.”

Responding to Baroness Casey’s audit report on grooming gangs, Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: “Violence against women and girls is endemic in our society. Sexual exploitation and abuse is a horrific crime. Predators who groom children must be stopped and brought to justice.

“I welcome the Home Secretary’s announcement today that she will change the law to avoid punishing the victims of these crimes while making sure perpetrators pay.

“Here in West Yorkshire our actions are led by the victims and survivors. This has led to 210 perpetrators sentenced to more than 2,300 years over the past decade, with more to come.

“We welcome Baroness Casey’s tireless work on this issue. We are already reaching out to victims to ensure their voices are heard by the inquiry. This must be done swiftly to ensure the perpetrators pay for these disgusting crimes.

“We will not be deterred from our mission to eliminate misogyny and violence against women and girls.”

The Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales Baroness Newlove welcomed the new national inquiry – but warned that survivors cannot wait for its outcome.

She is urging the Government to “act now and deliver the timely, trauma‑informed support first recommended by Professor Alexis Jay over two years ago”.

Baroness Newlove, said:  “I welcome the Home Secretary’s announcement of a new national inquiry and the full implementation of the Casey Review’s recommendations.

“At nearly 200 pages, the Review will take time to absorb. But as Baroness Casey rightly says: to prevent this abuse, we must first understand it – and to date, we have failed in that duty. This inquiry must be fearless in confronting uncomfortable truths. Too many girls were failed by the very institutions charged with their protection. This is our chance to lift the stone, expose those failures, and ensure they are never repeated.

“Victims must remain at the heart of this work. Sharing experiences of child sexual abuse is deeply personal and often retraumatising. Thousands came forward to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) – often for the first time. Yet years on, too little has changed. We must not repeat those mistakes. This inquiry must not drag on, and progress must not pause while it runs. Victims need answers – and action.

“The IICSA process came at a personal cost for many. In recognition of this, the inquiry provided continuous, trauma-informed support before, during, and after testimony – ensuring victims were prepared, supported and safeguarded throughout what can be a highly triggering process. This must be the model for the new inquiry.

“Survivors consistently tell me their greatest need is timely, trauma-informed care. In 2022, Professor Alexis Jay called for a national guarantee of therapeutic support for children. I have urged this be extended to adults too. Yet we have seen no detail on how or when this care will be delivered – and none was offered today.

“The reality is that survivors and the services that support them are under intolerable pressure. Demand is rising while resources are stretched thin. Some providers stand on the brink of collapse. This situation is unsustainable, and as yet the recent Spending Review has offered no reassurance.

“Victims deserve to be heard, treated with dignity, and assured that no stone will be left unturned. But they also deserve timely, trauma-informed support – and that cannot begin and end with this inquiry. The Government must now deliver the care survivors urgently need, and which Professor Jay called for over two years ago.”

The Survivors Trust welcomed the Government’s renewed commitment to tackling child sexual abuse, following the release of Baroness Casey’s audit into organised networks of child sexual exploitation.

It said the recommendations in the report “reinforce the importance of implementing the findings from the IICSA”.

“Calls for greater understanding of how abuse is enabled and ignored and actions to tackle this are dependent on IICSA’s recommendations being implemented in full first,” it added.

“The announcement of another national inquiry must not distract from the fact that the Government has yet to deliver on the 20 recommendations of the IICSA the most comprehensive investigation of its kind in UK history.

“Home Secretary Yvette Cooper today confirmed that the Government will implement all 20 IICSA recommendations. The Survivors Trust urges her to do so without delay, and to publish a clear timetable for delivery.”

Fay Maxted OBE, chief executive of The Survivors Trust, said: “We are pleased to hear the Home Secretary reiterate this Government’s commitment to implementing all 20 IICSA recommendations and to delivering sustainable funding that meets the real-world needs of survivors.

“There is no hierarchy of abuse, and no survivor should be left behind because their experience does not fit a political narrative.”

The IICSA inquiry ran for eight years, cost £185 million, and involved more than 7,500 testimonies from survivors. Yet, nearly three years later, The Survivors Trust says only two of its 20 recommendations have been meaningfully progressed. These include crucial changes to the justice system, education, and safeguarding, as well as the creation of a long-promised independent Child Protection Authority.

“Despite a series of actions agreed by the Government ten months ago to implement these, they have still not happened. It is essential that Government departments stop working in silos and act collectively to deliver the full IICSA package,” it added.

Responding to Baroness Casey’s national audit, the Government said: “Group-based child sexual exploitation, committed by grooming gangs, is one of the most horrific crimes imaginable. Young girls, as young as ten, exploited, abused, plied with drugs and alcohol, brutally raped by gangs of men and then disgracefully let down again and again by the authorities who were meant to protect them and keep them safe.

“Those despicable crimes cause the most profound harm to victims and survivors throughout their lives. This scandal, and the abhorrent continuing crimes of child sexual exploitation and abuse that persist in this country today, are a stain on our society.

“We will be unrelenting in our work to root out these horrific crimes, to punish perpetrators and to protect children from harm.

“We will therefore accept all 12 recommendations from Baroness Casey’s National Audit on Group-based Child Sexual Exploitation, which will build upon the significant workstreams already underway to tackle this heinous offending, to get justice for victims and survivors, and to get perpetrators behind bars.”

Kate Ellis, joint head of Litigation at the Centre for Women’s Justice (CWJ), said: “Much has been said about the need for a statutory national inquiry into grooming gangs. If that Inquiry is genuinely robust – if it holds institutions properly accountable for past and current failings – it has the potential to be watershed moment.

“But what is also needed is action now – to bring known perpetrators to justice, and to put a stop to the inappropriate blaming, adultification and criminalisation of children. In many ways, it is already clear what needs to change.

“The Home Secretary’s announcement that the Government will not wait to implement Baroness Casey’s recommendations is, therefore, a welcome relief – and we hope that implementation, wherever possible, will be swift.

“To embed serious long-term improvements in the policing and prosecution of this area of crime will meanwhile take sustained investment, and a commitment from each institution, including police forces and the Crown Prosecution Service, to cultural change.”

Harriet Wistrich, chief executive officer of the CWJ, added: “We welcome the Home Secretary’s commitment to implement the recommendations of the Casey review and ensure that such a scandal is never ignored or sidelined again. However, any additional resources must not be taken from the tiny pot currently allocated to tackling all other forms of violence against women and girls.

“The Government has made a commitment to halve violence against women and girls in a decade, yet put no additional resources aside in their recent spending review and so far they have very little to demonstrate how they will achieve this ambitious aim.”