Overview

• Lucy Powell, Leader of the House of Commons, apologized for describing discussions of grooming gangs as a 'dog whistle' during a BBC Radio 4 debate.
• Downing Street and Health Secretary Wes Streeting defended Powell, stating her comments were a mistake and she remains in her Cabinet role.
• Survivors of grooming gang abuse and their advocates criticized Powell's remarks, accusing her of dismissing their experiences and undermining their cause.
• The UK government continues to reject calls for a full national inquiry, favoring local inquiries and awaiting Baroness Casey's audit on the issue.
• The controversy follows a Channel 4 documentary highlighting survivor stories and institutional failures, reigniting public and political scrutiny.