Overview

• Lucy Powell referred to discussions on grooming gangs as a 'dog whistle' during a BBC Radio 4 debate, prompting widespread criticism.
• Powell issued an apology, clarifying that her comments were aimed at political point-scoring and not the issue of grooming itself.
• Survivors of grooming gangs, including Sarah Wilson and Scarlett, condemned Powell’s remarks as dismissive of their experiences.
• Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Downing Street defended Powell, stating she made a mistake, apologized, and would remain in her position.
• The controversy has reignited calls for a full national inquiry into grooming gangs, which Labour has resisted in favor of audits and local investigations.