Labour has come under fire after refusing to hold a public inquiry into historic sexual abuse by grooming gangs in Oldham.

A former chief prosecutor and a police whistleblower who uncovered a notorious paedophile gang have hit back at demands from senior Conservatives and the billionaire Elon Musk for a national inquiry into child sexual exploitation

Nazir Afzal, the ex-chief prosecutor who was central to successful prosecution of the Rochdale grooming gang, said lengthy and expensive inquiries were not acted upon by the previous Conservative government.

Maggie Oliver, who resigned from Greater Manchester police to speak out about police failings in child exploitation, said she did not want to hear more “empty promises and political manoeuvrings”.

Their comments follow a growing row started by Elon Musk, the billionaire ally of Donald Trump, who called for a national inquiry in the UK and accused Keir Starmer of failing to prosecute child rapists in Oldham in Greater Manchester.

www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/jan/02/ex-chief-prosecutor-rejects-musks-calls-for-new-child-abuse-inquiry

its all "political" - the those closest to the victims past and present are asking for the priority to be actually put into carrying through the results of the long inquiry.

That's fine and the recommendations should be carried through.

I think we need a full discussion about what has been going on in our civil service.

I think we have gone away from the civil service working for us the tax payer to them being a law unto themselves.

Wyllow3

*A former chief prosecutor and a police whistleblower who uncovered a notorious paedophile gang have hit back at demands from senior Conservatives and the billionaire Elon Musk for a national inquiry into child sexual exploitation*

Nazir Afzal, the ex-chief prosecutor who was central to successful prosecution of the Rochdale grooming gang, said lengthy and expensive inquiries were not acted upon by the previous Conservative government.

Maggie Oliver, who resigned from Greater Manchester police to speak out about police failings in child exploitation, said she did not want to hear more “empty promises and political manoeuvrings”.

Their comments follow a growing row started by Elon Musk, the billionaire ally of Donald Trump, who called for a national inquiry in the UK and accused Keir Starmer of failing to prosecute child rapists in Oldham in Greater Manchester.

www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/jan/02/ex-chief-prosecutor-rejects-musks-calls-for-new-child-abuse-inquiry

But Maggie says this is not quite what she said .

That’s not in truth what I said @nazirafzal . I said that ALL THESE ENQUIRIES including @IICSAVSCP Rochdale, Augusta, Oldham have all led absolutely NOWHERE! Nothing changes. Millions wasted. Lawyers getting rich defending the indefensible.

Because those leading these “enquiries” have always wanted to cover up the truth, to hide it. And I’d say it’s become even worse in recent months with those who dare to speak out finding themselves in prison within a couple of DAYS….. when victims wait 6/7/8 years for a trial!! Corrupt and just wrong!

I firmly believe we need totally independent people who will ensure it’s not just another attempt to delay and hide the truth. Radical change and overhaul of all our public bodies. And bring in. Criminal accountability for all our senior police and public officials who have turned a blind eye.

Those with vested interests who pop up when this hits the headlines then fade away again when it all dies down will not bring change. They’re in it for themselves I believe. Conservatives and labour are all equally to blame imo, and @Keir_Starmer as former DPP is perhaps as guilty as anyone I know in where we find ourselves today.

We all know what’s going on, but I don’t trust a single one of those who to date have been entrusted with keeping our children safe and prosecuting serial rapists. They’ve failed. Repeatedly. Knowingly. Criminally.

Xx

Wyllow3

Musk latest today:

"On Friday, Musk shared a post asking whether the king “should dissolve parliament and order a general election … for the sake and security” of the UK. He retweeted the X thread with a one-word comment: “Yes.”"

He has has used the social media site to post or repost about child grooming in the UK more than 40 times over the past 24 hours.

its reminding me a bit of that period when Trump was up half the night posting obsessively on twitter.

its all "political" - the those closest to the victims past and present are asking for the priority to be actually put into carrying through the results of the long inquiry.

its all "political"...

Isn't it just.

Musk is obsessed.

I try to 'fact-check' quotes and comments attributed to him because I don't want to get into the murky world of fake news generated by AI from those who oppose him.

According to Huff Post and other sources he has amplified a post from 4chan (an anonymous message board worthy of a separate thread) which he found an "interesting observation"..

I won't post the whole comment as it will detract from the topic, but basically Musk is highlighting a comment from 4chan which says that "a Republic of high-status males is best for decision-making".

Why anyone believes this man is seriously concerned about the welfare of abused children and young women in the UK (or anywhere else for that matter) defies belief.

If he's so invested in them, why has he re-platformed the self-declared misogynist, Andrew Tate - a man accused of rape and human-trafficking (as it's politely called)?

I think I'm going to exit this thread now before I have to read any more "good on Elon Musk" type comments...

I'm not a fan of Starmer, but this is becoming farcical.

What's needed more than anything now is, as you say for the recommendations of that independent enquiry to be enacted - which those closest to the victims say they are asking for as a priority.

If this was happening in another country we would have something to say about it and want answers and people held to account. I’m not surprised that people from overseas are amazed and disgusted at what’s going on in a so-called civilised country . Pity so few of our politicians think it has anything to do with them.

The conspiracy theories, including suspecting civil servants of turning blind eyes are no where near the findings of successive inquiries.
Those who see Musk as a champion of the rights of abused children are hopelessly wrong
This discussion is becoming ridiculous. Thank goodness ‘some posters’ are in no position to influence any inquiries.

This is so sick, using child abuse for political gains, Farage can’t sink lower surely

It is stomach turning Annie. Really. I fear decency has left the building.

Anyone who highlights this utterly sickening abhorrent act that was allowed to go on in this country is correct on this occasion!

But it has been highlighted, why does it need to be re highlighted and hi jacked for political gain?

Read what Maggie Oliver wrote.

Because Labour wish it all to go away. An inquiry is a vote loser for them!

I would love it if you could explain further.

What new findings would an enquiry give?

How do you think you know more than highly respected people who do not believe an enquiry would help?

Why do Labour voters not care about abuse?

Another enquiry? Less talking and more action is what's required.

Farage wants another enquiry so his subjects want another enquiry, should someone tell him there has been an enquiry,
why did act on it then ?

Aveline

Another enquiry? Less talking and more action is what's required.

👏👏👏

Lessonsmust be learnt for once.

Child abuse is sick. Full stop.
The findings and recommendations of the 2022 Enquiry have not been implemented.
Starmer and Phillips are now in a position to rectify this, yet both have refused.
Why?
This is what needs to be investigated,

love0c

Because Labour wish it all to go away. An inquiry is a vote loser for them!

That’s a silly comment. What they want is for the existing recommendations to be implemented. That’s far more important and will make more difference.

I too am leaving this thread. No matter how many times information is posted, links given, still there are posters writing the same things, some seriously untrue.

FriedGreenTomatoes, are you with Musk in his support for the alleged rapist Andrew Tait?

FriedGreen Tomatoes, are you with Musk when he allows the posting on X of the vile message'Your body, my choice'?

Good grief

Ate you with the Democrats who place violent males in female prisons. If you do you are a misogynist, or perhaps it is possible to disagree with some things one person says whilst disagreeing with another.

Well, Farage is in a dilemma because of Musks support of Tommy Robinson who he has tried to distance himself from ( even though he and Robinson imo are two sides of the one coin).

Musk is a disputable person.

He is using his platform to politicise the terrible events endured by children, in order to attack Keir Starmer.

We get it Musk - you hate our PM! Fine, that’s up to you, but don’t use innocent children to fan the flames of your own hatred.

How low can he stoop

despicable not disputable. Grr, predictive text!