This page publishes the latest news, statements and updates from the Statutory Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs. Updates are listed with the most recent first. As part of the Inquiry’s commitment to keep victims and survivors informed, a monthly newsletter is published alongside this news page.
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August 2026 Newsletter
Since the Inquiry was announced, we have made it a priority to ensure that victims’ and survivors’ experiences and views are at the heart of everything we do. When we launched our Victims and Survivors Charter in June, developed in partnership with victims and survivors, we committed to updating you regularly with the Inquiry’s work
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Inquiry launches National Listening Project, opens Core Participant applications for National Accountability Hearing, and introduces new ways for victims and survivors to share their experiences
Today, The Statutory Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs has announced new ways for victims and survivors to share their experiences and shape the Inquiry’s work, with the launch of the first stage of its National Listening Project and an expanded Victims & Survivors Hub. Victims and survivors are at the heart of the Inquiry’s work.
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Inquiry announces first local investigations and national hearings
The Statutory Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs has today announced the first areas for its local investigations and plans for national public accountability hearings. Oldham, Bradford and Keighley, and London have been selected as the initial locations for Local Area Investigations. These will examine what happened in each area, how children were targeted and exploited,
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Inquiry progress update
Last week, Baroness Anne Longfield CBE, Chair of the Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs, appeared before the Home Affairs Select Committee alongside panellists Zoë Billingham CBE and Eleanor Kelly CBE. The session provided the Chair and Panel with the opportunity to update MPs about how the Inquiry is progressing, to set out our approach, and
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Update on our work with victims and survivors
We want to make sure victims and survivors of group-based child exploitation (CSE) are at the centre of this Inquiry. We’re currently developing two key documents to help ensure this: We are in the process of testing this directly with victims and survivors to make sure it is clear, realistic and works in practice. We
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Inquiry goes before the Home Affairs Select Committee
The session on 19 May will focus on how the independent inquiry is being set up, its scope, and how it plans to carry out its work. MPs are expected to question the Chair and Panel on the inquiry’s approach, independence, and how it will engage with victims, communities and stakeholders.
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Home Secretary formally commences the Inquiry
The Secretary of State for the Home Department, the Rt Hon Shabana Mahmood MP, made a written statement to Parliament formally commencing the Statutory Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs.
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Terms of Reference published and opening statement delivered
The Terms of Reference for the Statutory Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs were agreed with the Home Secretary and published on 31 March 2026.