LONDON, Jan 16 (Reuters) - The United Kingdom announced on Thursday its support for new local investigations into child sexual abuse nationwide. This decision came after U.S. billionaire Elon Musk's criticism renewed concerns about a long-standing scandal.
The scandal involved organized groups in English towns and cities sexually assaulting and exploiting vulnerable children from the 1980s to the 2010s, leading to various local inquiries and a nationwide public investigation into child sexual abuse.
Musk, a close ally of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, has accused British authorities of inaction, particularly focusing on the Labour Party, despite their period out of power during some of the relevant years. Interior Minister Yvette Cooper pledged to implement the 20 recommendations from a 2022 national inquiry and support additional local investigations.
Cooper, addressing parliament, admitted that previous inquiries had resulted in little tangible progress. Though she did not announce a new national public inquiry, Musk and the Conservative opposition have demanded one.
Musk welcomed the government's steps but cautioned that their effectiveness would be judged by the outcome. The Conservatives held power from 2010-2024, and Musk has blamed Starmer for his alleged inaction during his tenure as chief prosecutor from 2008-2013.
Starmer defended his record, claiming to have tackled the crisis by reopening cases despite resistance. Notably, historical cases showed most perpetrators were of Pakistani heritage, with authorities criticized for hesitating due to fears of being labeled racist.
In response to ongoing concerns, Britain's police chief for child protection, Becky Riggs, emphasized that group-based child abuse transcends ethnicity. Cooper also assigned Louise Casey to conduct a swift evaluation of gang-based exploitation in Britain.
Critics have accused Musk of overreaching in his criticism, including calling for Starmer's replacement and making derogatory remarks about German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the far-right Alternative for Germany party.