Statement from the Mayor in response to the announcement of a national inquiry into group-based CSE

The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has issued a statement in response to the government's announcement of a national statutory inquiry into group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse on Saturday 14 June.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham said: 

"I welcome news that the Government will order a national inquiry into grooming gangs.

"I have always been open about the limitations of local inquiries which cannot compel those in authority to give evidence. This is why I have been calling for a national inquiry, including a focus on the accountability of decision-makers, and made the case for this to Baroness Casey's review.

"It is crucial that victims are now consulted about the terms of reference for the national inquiry, so that it provides them with all the answers and accountability they have been seeking.

"We have never flinched from facing up to our systemic failures to protect young people in the past in Greater Manchester, and commissioned a wide-ranging, independent review back in 2017. 

"In the light of its three reports to date, Greater Manchester Police continues to bring perpetrators to justice. So far, there have been over 100 arrests and multiple convictions. On Friday, seven more men were handed guilty verdicts at Manchester's Minshull Street court and are now awaiting sentencing.

"Next month, we will publish the final report from our independent review. We also continue to support Oldham Council with the development of its own local inquiry. As we finalise both, we will respond to all of Baroness Casey's findings and make sure they are fully incorporated into our approach going forward."

Article Published: 15/06/2025 13:26 PM