Nigel Farage welcomes grooming gangs inquiry - but issues warning to Labour

But Farage also laid out a warning to Labour as it gears up to fully investigate the rape gangs.

He said: "The Government's decision to launch a national inquiry into the grooming gang scandal is a welcome U-turn.

"A full statutory inquiry, done correctly, will expose the multiple failings of the British establishment.

"I repeat the words 'done correctly' - this cannot be a whitewash.

"It's time for victims to receive the justice they deserve and for perpetrators to face the full force of the law."

Farage's deputy leader Richard Tice branded the move a "massive Starmer U-turn due to a fear of Reform UK".

"Once again, Labour copying Reform policy," he said.

And Sarah Pochin, a former magistrate and Reform's newest MP, said: "Sir Keir Starmer must immediately publish a clear and detailed timetable for this inquiry.

"Victims and communities have waited long enough. This cannot be kicked into the long grass. We need answers - and soon.

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"Those in authority who enabled these crimes must be held to account. Reform UK will not let this be swept under the carpet."

Paul Waugh, the Labour MP for Rochdale, said: "I'm pleased the Prime Minister has ordered a national inquiry into these rape gangs. What matters most of all is getting justice for the victims of these disgusting crimes, which in Rochdale were committed by men of predominantly Pakistani heritage.

"Justice means criminal prosecutions and long sentences, but it also means holding to account anyone who could have prevented their abuse, which is why statutory inquiries are needed locally and nationally.

"In Rochdale, we know all too well the delays to justice that survivors have suffered. Being able to compel witnesses to give evidence is vital in getting to the truth.

"These inquiries should follow the evidence, wherever it leads them. No political party, no council, no police officer, no social worker, no racial group should be exempt from the need to find the facts."

And former Reform MP Rupert Lowe, who has raised more than £600,000 through a crowd-funding drive for an inquiry, said the Prime Minister had "done the right thing" through the move.

"This is a huge victory for the tens of thousands of you who have supported our cause, but will not in itself guarantee justice," he said.

WATCH: 'I'm speechless': Grooming gangs survivor gives snap reaction to GB News after national inquiry bombshell

"Because whether it's local councils who have simply failed to collect data on gang-based sexual exploitation, victims who have been denied the compensation and support they deserve, or public officials with direct involvement in these crimes, the rot is deeply embedded."

But Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick spat: "First, he [Starmer] described calls for a national inquiry as a 'far right bandwagon', then he dismissively batted away victims' appeals week after week, month after month.

"Now he's been dragged, kicking and screaming, to make the right decision. So finally, the victims have what they need.

"But this man is not the leader our country needs. Now, justice for the victims must be quick, and all those responsible for the grooming gangs scandal finally held responsible."