US EditionLabour minister sorry over grooming gangs remark
- Labour MP and Commons Leader Lucy Powell sparked outrage after calling demands for accountability on grooming gangs a "dog whistle" during a BBC Radio 4 debate on May 3, 2025.
- The remark was made amid ongoing political scrutiny of Keir Starmer and the government regarding their response to past sex abuse scandals linked to grooming gangs, with demands for investigations and accountability.
- Powell’s comments drew widespread condemnation from politicians across parties, including shadow cabinet members and Reform UK, who called the statement a betrayal of abuse victims and demanded her resignation.
- Powell later apologised on social media, stating she treats child exploitation with the utmost seriousness and that her words were unclear amid a heated discussion on the program Any Questions.
- The controversy highlights continuing tensions around addressing grooming gang scandals, with Labour resisting a full national inquiry despite promises, and political opponents demanding clearer accountability and investigations.
32 Articles
32 Articles
Labour Minister Lucy Powell ‘Mortified’ Over Grooming Gangs Remarks
Lucy Powell is “mortified” after she made comments that appeared to describe grooming gangs as a “dog whistle,” her Cabinet colleague Wes Streeting has said. The leader of the House of Commons was on BBC Radio 4’s “Any Questions” programme on Friday night with Conservative Party Co-Chairman Nigel Huddleston, Liberal Democrat MP Helen Morgan, and political commentator and Reform UK member Tim Montgomerie when she was asked about grooming gangs. W…
Calling the Rape Gangs a “Dog Whistle” Issue Is Utterly Disgraceful – The Daily Sceptic
Dismissing the rape gang scandal as a "dog whistle" isn't just tone-deaf – it's a vile insult to victims and exposes a government more afraid of losing votes than of protecting children, says Henry Hill in the Telegraph.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Right
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
Ownership
To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage
