Yvette Cooper REJECTS calls for rape gangs inquiry but pledges to put 'perpetrators behind bars'

When pressed by Christopher on whether she would order one, Cooper claimed that the Government has "already had one".

Citing the incoming audit on findings from Baroness Casey into the abuse scandal, Cooper told GB News: "We've already had, obviously, one national inquiry. We've already had the investigations in place, but what we need to do is make sure that we've got the swift action.

"I will always look at whatever action is needed to make sure that we can keep children and young people safe. That's why we're waiting for the Louise Casey audit, but it's also why we need the stronger laws and the stronger police investigations too."

Emphasising the scale of the rape gangs in Britain, the Home Secretary noted that child sexual exploitation is increasingly linked to :online activities" as well as "street-based grooming".

Condemning the gangs, she stated: "These are appalling crimes. These are some of the most vile crimes that we are talking about, the most awful rapes and coercion and exploitation of children, of young girls, particularly teenagers, that's been taking place.

"And this kind of crime, child sexual exploitation, we’re also seeing this being linked to online as well."

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Outlining Labour's efforts to crack down on grooming gangs, Cooper stressed that she is implementing "stronger laws" and "more sentencing powers" to ensure victims and survivors get real justice.

Cooper explained: "We're already strengthening the law around both online and on the streets, the grooming gangs. We are strengthening the law and strengthening sentencing powers. We do need to go further, and we've set out the plans for local inquiries.

"But also the most important thing I think we need is the stronger police inquiries, the stronger police investigations."

In a direct call to get the grooming gang members into prison, the Home Secretary stated: "We've got to get the perpetrators behind bars - they are committing terrible crimes.

"And we need to make sure that there is strong police action, strong criminal justice action, so they pay the price for these crimes."

The proposal for a national inquiry has received cross-party support from politicians - including Labour peer Lord Maurice Glasman, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, and Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp.

The proposed inquiry would investigate and name any institutions or individuals responsible for covering up child sex abuse perpetrated by grooming gangs.

The findings of Baroness Casey's audit into the abuse scandal - examining its scale, nature and the profile of the gangs behind it are expected later in May.