In a passionate exchange during the first Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) of 2025, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch confronted UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer regarding his unwillingness to initiate a national inquiry into the ongoing grooming gangs scandal that has plagued British communities for decades. Badenoch accused Starmer of evading accountability and called for renewed investigations into what she described as "systematic abuse," a sentiment echoed by an unexpected ally, billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk (India Times).

Badenoch opened the session with pointed remarks on the "decades-long rape gangs scandal," stressing that thousands of victims remain unresolved in terms of justice. "There are thousands of victims, but no one has joined the dots or has the total picture. It is almost certainly still going on," she argued, pressing Starmer for insights into whether the full scale of the gangs' activities had been revealed.

In response, Starmer defended his stance, reminding critics of the numerous local and national inquiries that have already taken place. "What is needed now is action on what we already know," he stated, insisting that prolonged investigations were not the answer. However, Badenoch countered that these previous inquiries had failed to deliver meaningful accountability, citing a victim from Telford who expressed disappointment over the lack of consequences.

Badenoch became increasingly assertive, accusing Starmer of potentially enabling a cover-up by resisting a comprehensive national inquiry. She pointedly questioned his commitment to the issue, stating, "Does he not see that by resisting this one, people will start to worry about a cover-up?" Starmer, in a defensive retort, claimed she was merely "jumping on the bandwagon," observing that Badenoch had not previously raised the issue during her prior ministerial roles.

As tensions mounted, the Conservative leader urged Starmer to exhibit true leadership, reminding him that "this is not about you, Starmer, or your past work with the Crown Prosecution Service. It’s about the victims, the children who have suffered in silence." Starmer took the opportunity to respond, warning that another lengthy inquiry could push justice further away, potentially stalling processes until 2031.

However, Badenoch refuted this assertion, maintaining that expedited inquiries were feasible and imploring a focused approach on the racial and cultural dynamics underpinning the abuse that has often been sidelined in discussions.

The debate was further complicated by a clash over past governmental efforts, with Badenoch highlighting that the Conservative Party had accepted the majority of recommendations from the prior Jay Inquiry. Despite her claims, Starmer accused the Conservatives of inaction, countering that his party had been more proactive at addressing these horrific issues.

At a critical juncture, Badenoch challenged her fellow MPs on their political obligations, stating, "How are MPs going to explain to their constituents that obeying the whip is more important than doing the right thing?" Starmer, apparently incensed by her challenge, labeled the Tories' approach as misguided.

In an unexpected twist, Elon Musk joined the fray, using his influential platform to back Badenoch's pursuit of justice. He urged followers to contact their MPs, stating, "The hundreds of thousands of little girls in Britain who were, and are still being systematically, horrifically gang-raped deserve some justice in this world." Musk emphasized the necessity for immediate action to prevent further injustices from occurring.

The exchange has sparked significant public discourse, shedding light on the enduring struggles of victims and the pressing need for comprehensive reform and accountability within the British political landscape.