Bradford’s Council Leader, Stephen Place of Reform UK, has formally demanded that Bradford, Keighley, and the surrounding district be included as priority areas in the government’s national grooming gang inquiry. His request was submitted on 21 May to Baroness Longfield, chair of the inquiry, amid rising calls to address longstanding child sexual exploitation issues in the region.
Decades Of Abuse
Bradford Council has stressed that child sexual exploitation has been a persistent problem locally for many years. Survivors and campaign groups have repeatedly called for a survivor-led inquiry to ensure victims’ experiences are properly recognised and heard.
Political Backing Strengthens
MP Robbie Moore, representing Keighley and Ilkley, welcomed the council leader’s request, expressing his pleasure at the growing momentum behind the campaign. Moore warned that the scale of abuse in the Bradford district may far exceed previous inquiries’ findings.
Urgent Demand For Government Action
Moore urged Baroness Longfield and the Home Secretary to act quickly, stating grooming and gang-related abuse have “haunted Keighley and the wider Bradford district for decades.” Bradford’s political leaders, MPs, and survivor advocates are united in pushing for the area to be a focal point of the investigation.
Inquiry Outcome Awaited
The national statutory inquiry announced by the Prime Minister in June is expected to soon confirm its focus areas. Baroness Longfield’s final decision on including Bradford and its surrounding districts is still awaited.
