U.S. State Department Calls for Scrutiny of UK Response to Grooming Gang Scandal as Survivors Demand Accountability

The U.S. State Department has urged its embassies in Europe to monitor the human-rights and public-safety consequences of large migration flows, singling out the United Kingdom while noting similar concerns in other countries. The guidance asked diplomats to document policies that penalize citizens who object to migration and to record crimes and human-rights abuses by people described as having a migration background.

Focus on Grooming Gang Cases and Survivor Accounts

The statement referenced long-running child sexual exploitation scandals—often described in reporting as involving so-called "grooming gangs"—and highlighted cases in places such as Rotherham, Oxford and Newcastle. The State Department said many victims "were left to suffer unspeakable abuse for years before authorities stepped in."

"The State Department instructed U.S. embassies to report on the human-rights implications and public-safety impacts of mass migration," the statement said.

Survivors and campaigners say institutional failings allowed abuse to continue for years. Several people who had participated in an independent inquiry resigned recently, alleging that the process still protected those who failed to act. Survivor Ellie Reynolds said networks of abuse were "brushed under the carpet," while Fiona Goddard—who says she was groomed from age 14—has described being dismissed by authorities when she sought help.

National Audit and Inquiry

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Keir Starmer commissioned a national audit led by Baroness Louise Casey. The Casey review found that ethnicity is not recorded for around two-thirds of alleged perpetrators in national data sets, limiting any definitive national assessment. It also reported that local police data in the areas studied showed disproportionate numbers of suspects from some Asian ethnic backgrounds among those investigated for group-based child sexual exploitation, while noting perpetrators have come from varied backgrounds, including White British, European, African and Middle Eastern individuals.

The audit produced 12 recommendations, including a national inquiry intended to coordinate local investigations and hold institutions to account. Government officials say the inquiry will be transparent and will "leave no stone unturned," but the process has been hampered by resignations, delays in appointing leadership, and public scepticism about whether it will fully address past failures.

Political and Public Reaction

Commentators and campaigners have accused successive governments of failing victims. Critics argue political sensitivities over ethnicity and migration have complicated law-enforcement and public messaging. The government's point person for the inquiry, Labour MP Jess Phillips—parliamentary undersecretary for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls—has pledged that ethnicity will not be sidelined in the inquiry, and that any delays are intended to ensure a robust and survivor-focused process.

The issue has also attracted heated public commentary on social media from prominent figures, increasing pressure and polarization around the inquiry. Authorities and advocates emphasize the need for credible leadership, thorough local investigations, and reforms to ensure victims receive justice and protection.

What Comes Next

Delivering accountability will depend on the inquiry's ability to secure independent leadership, access complete data, and translate recommendations into lasting changes in policing, safeguarding and community engagement. Survivors, advocates and officials say restoring public confidence requires transparency, timely progress and demonstrable protections for vulnerable children and young people.