London, January 2025 – A heated political battle erupted in the UK this week, with Elon Musk and Tory MPs targeting Labour leader Keir Starmer over the handling of the Oldham grooming gangs scandal. The row, set to dominate parliamentary proceedings, pits the tech billionaire against the government and threatens to further strain relations.
Musk, in a series of posts on X, sharply criticized Starmer, accusing him of inaction regarding child grooming gangs during his time as Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and demanding the imprisonment of Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips for refusing a public inquiry into the historic Oldham abuse.
Tory MP Kemi Badenoch immediately echoed Musk's call, demanding a national inquiry into the UK's "rape gangs scandal," emphasizing the need for victims to receive justice in 2025. This demand for an inquiry was quickly met with criticism from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who blamed the Conservatives for failing to initiate an inquiry while in power.
Starmer's office responded by highlighting Labour's previous support for a national inquiry into child sexual abuse under Professor Alexis Jay, and a local review commissioned by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, which encompassed Oldham. A Labour spokesperson defended the government's commitment to supporting investigations and strengthening child protection laws, while emphasizing local authorities' right to decide on inquiries.
This escalating conflict follows Musk's increasingly vocal support of Reform UK, which has ignited further debate. The controversy underscores a deep division within British politics and the ongoing debate on the best approach to address historic child abuse. A recent YouGov poll reveals public dissatisfaction with Labour, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing political tensions.
