British members of parliament (MPs) voted against an amendment to launch a national inquiry into Muslim grooming gangs on Wednesday.
A major political row has swelled over the past month, following a refused Freedom of Information request to the Government by Oldham Council. Since then, calls for a national inquiry have grown as further details about child sexual exploitation across parts of Northern England have emerged.
On Wednesday, the scandal dominated the day’s proceedings in Parliament, commencing with a fiery Prime Minister’s Questions. Later in the afternoon, the Conservatives added an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, demanding a national inquiry into grooming gangs.
Labour said the amendment would effectively kill off the bill, arguing that it would delay the Government’s ability to implement crucial safeguarding measures. The Conservatives, meanwhile, echoed calls from Elon Musk to prioritize a national inquiry.
A national inquiry was completed in 2022. However, none of the report’s 20 recommendations have been implemented by either a Labour or Conservative Government.
Shortly after 7pm GMT, MPs voted 364 to 111 against the Tories’ amendment. A three-line whip meant all Labour MPs either voted against the amendment or abstained, while the Conservatives were joined by Reform UK’s 5 MPs, as well as Northern Irish Unionists.
The Labor Party has 402 seats in the House of Commons, while the Conservative Party has 121, and the rest of the 650 seats are held by other parties (seven of which are held by Northern Ireland’s Sinn Fein, which doesn’t take their 7 seats in protest).
Many on social media were stunned by the decision of MPs.
Others had differing views on the reasons for the amendment and subsequent vote.
