Nationwide police operation on grooming gangs announced
Source: [Sky News, 15 June 2025]
The Home Office today announced a major, nationwide police operation targeting grooming gangs, led by the National Crime Agency (NCA). Over 800 historical cases have been reopened, with specialist teams—including Operation Hydrant and the Child Sexual Exploitation Taskforce—mobilised to identify and prosecute offenders who had been previously overlooked. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper says institutional failures—even fears of accusations of racism—allowed these crimes to continue unchallenged. Baroness Casey’s audit, released last night, confirmed the need for a statutory public inquiry and a coordinated national response. The renewed focus comes as Keir Starmer also backs a formal inquiry with subpoena powers to ensure accountability.
Read a full WTX News report on the grooming gangs scandal
Reactions:
- Home Secretary Yvette Cooper: “Not enough people listened to them then. That was wrong and unforgivable. We are changing that now.
- Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said on Saturday that Sir Keir should recognise “he made a mistake and apologise for six wasted months”.
- Chancellor Rachel Reeves refused to say if the government will apologise for dismissing calls for a national public inquiry into grooming gangs.
📰 Bias Snapshot:
- Sky News frames the operation as a decisive government action, combining investigatory force with institutional scrutiny.
- Reuters/AP report factually on opened cases, NCA involvement and Starmer’s inquiry endorsement—avoiding emotive language.
- The Sun presents it as political theatre ahead of G7, emphasising tribal criticism (“civil unrest warning”) and invoking public frustration.
📊 Sentiment: Neutral‑negative.