Tesla CEO Elon Musk has intensified his critique of Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has reignited calls for a comprehensive national inquiry into the UK’s grooming gangs scandal.
The tech billionaire took to X, his social media platform, to target safeguarding minister Jess Phillips after her refusal to back a Home Office-led inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Oldham. Musk accused Phillips of evading responsibility, declaring, “She deserves to be in prison.”
Musk’s comments extended to Sir Keir Starmer, accusing him of neglecting justice for victims during his tenure as Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) from 2008 to 2013. He claimed Starmer’s CPS leadership coincided with the systemic failure to prosecute grooming gangs. “Serious crimes like rape require CPS approval for charges. Who was in charge when rape gangs exploited young girls? Keir Starmer,” Musk posted.
The criticism comes as Badenoch, the Conservative leader, labelled the absence of a national inquiry “a disgrace.” She urged immediate action to address the “rape gangs scandal,” describing 2025 as a pivotal year for justice. “Trials have occurred nationwide, yet no authority has joined the dots,” she said, pressing for accountability from the police, CPS, and local councils.
Shadow ministers Chris Philp and Alicia Kearns also voiced support for an independent, statutory inquiry into Oldham, citing the need to uncover whether authorities had ignored or concealed evidence of child exploitation.
Controversy over government response
In response, Jess Phillips argued that decisions regarding an Oldham inquiry should remain local. “It is for Oldham Council to decide whether to commission an inquiry,” she stated. However, her stance was met with backlash, with critics accusing the Government of failing to prioritise victims’ voices.
An Oldham Council spokesperson reiterated the council’s commitment to survivors. “Survivors are central to our efforts to combat child exploitation. Their wishes will always guide our decisions,” they said.
Musk’s attacks escalated with his endorsement of activist Tommy Robinson, who was previously jailed for contempt of court. Musk’s support drew criticism, with many questioning his understanding of the UK’s legal system and its handling of such cases.
Meanwhile, Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, joined the debate, criticising the Conservative Party’s inaction during its 14 years in power. “Talk is cheap,” Farage remarked. Musk echoed Farage’s sentiment, hinting at possible financial backing for Reform UK, tweeting: “Time for Reform.”
Calls for action following previous reports
The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), which published its final report in 2022, highlighted child sexual abuse by organised groups as an epidemic. The inquiry, chaired by Professor Alexis Jay, exposed widespread abuse across the UK, including Rotherham, Rochdale, and Greater Manchester, between 2010 and 2014.
Professor Jay’s report made 20 recommendations, but none have been implemented to date. Expressing frustration, Jay said: “More than two years on, it’s disappointing that these urgent recommendations have not been acted upon.”
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A Labour spokesperson defended the Government’s record, stating that it supports both national and local inquiries. “We back independent investigations like those in Telford, Rotherham, and Greater Manchester,” the spokesperson said, highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen laws around reporting and prosecuting such crimes.
The spokesperson further pledged Labour’s support for an Oldham Council-commissioned inquiry. “Victims deserve justice, and their voices must be central. We will work with the council to ensure this.”
Broader implications and political tensions
The debate over grooming gangs underscores broader political tensions, with Conservatives, Labour, and Reform UK accusing each other of inaction. Critics argue that political posturing has taken precedence over safeguarding children and delivering justice for survivors.
As 2025 approaches, calls for a unified national inquiry grow louder. Badenoch’s declaration of a long-overdue investigation highlights public frustration over perceived governmental failures. With Musk’s vocal intervention amplifying the issue on a global scale, pressure mounts on both Labour and Conservative leadership to act decisively.
The scandal, described as a national disgrace, demands immediate action to restore public trust and ensure that survivors receive justice.
