Labour easily sees off Tory attempt to force new inquiry on child rape gangs

Cabinet ministers have ramped up attacks on Conservative “bandwagon jumping” over child rape gangs during furious exchanges in the Commons which saw the government easily see off a Tory attempt to force a new inquiry on the issue.

Amid continued pressure, No 10 appeared to slightly soften its position on the idea of a second inquiry into so-called grooming gangs, echoing the words of the safeguarding minister, Jess Phillips, in saying Keir Starmer was open to hearing the views of victims.