Press Release: Rupert Lowe MP.
“This inquiry is about action. We have gathered evidence, we will listen carefully over the coming two weeks, and we will then act. Our ultimate objective is justice”
Today marks the opening of the public hearings of the Independent Rape Gang Inquiry, launching two full weeks of evidence-gathering, testimony and scrutiny focused on one of the most serious safeguarding failures in modern Britain.
The hearings will place survivors at the centre of the process and will hear evidence from victims, campaigners, whistleblowers, experts and public figures.
The inquiry was established following a public crowdfunding campaign launched by Rupert Lowe in early 2025, which became the largest political crowdfunder in British history.
Speaking at the opening of the hearings, Rupert Lowe who initiated the inquiry, said:
‘Today marks the beginning of something long overdue. Today, we open the hearings of our independent rape gang inquiry – two full weeks of evidence, testimony and scrutiny. Two weeks in which survivors will finally be heard.
Almost a year ago, I looked at the repeated broken promises from politicians and concluded that something had to be done. Not more words. Action.
That is why this inquiry exists. And it exists only because of the extraordinary support of the public. To everyone who donated, I want to place on record my sincere thanks. Without you, this would not be possible.’
The inquiry has been established to examine the scale and nature of organised child sexual exploitation, the institutional responses to it, and the repeated failures by public authorities to act on warnings.
“The law must not bend in the face of cultural sensitivity or institutional discomfort. No public body, no authority and no organisation is exempt from scrutiny when children are being harmed”
Rupert continued:
‘This inquiry is about action. We have gathered evidence, we will listen carefully over the coming two weeks, and we will then act. Our ultimate objective is justice – including the pursuit of private prosecutions where appropriate. Justice for the girls who were abused. Justice for the families who were ignored.
And justice for a country that was repeatedly misled about what was happening in its towns and cities.’
The inquiry will examine patterns that have been identified in multiple criminal cases and serious case reviews across England, including the operation of organised groups targeting vulnerable children – many of whom were in care or already known to public services.
It will also examine the documented failures of institutions to intervene effectively, including instances where professionals have stated that concerns about community relations, reputational risk or accusations of discrimination influenced operational decisions.
‘The law must not bend in the face of cultural sensitivity or institutional discomfort. No public body, no authority and no organisation is exempt from scrutiny when children are being harmed.
This inquiry exists because the official response to this scandal has been fragmented, defensive and incomplete. It has too often lacked the courage to confront uncomfortable facts.’
The inquiry has repeatedly stressed that the welfare of survivors is central to its work. A dedicated team of five qualified support specialists is available throughout the hearings to provide trauma-informed support to witnesses.
‘The mental health and wellbeing of survivors comes first. Everything we have put in place reflects that responsibility.
I also want to publicly thank the entire inquiry team for the immense amount of work that has gone into reaching this point.’
Over the next two weeks, the inquiry will hear evidence from survivors, investigative journalists, safeguarding professionals, campaigners and individuals who previously raised concerns but felt they were ignored.
Rupert concluded:
‘We owe it to this country to say clearly and without fear: no ideology, no institution and no political convenience should ever again be allowed to stand in the way of protecting children.
That is why these hearings matter. That is why this inquiry exists. And that is why we will not look away.’
During the hearings, there will be no media interviews in order to protect the wellbeing of the participants. Once the fortnight has concluded, that will change and our panellists will be available for interview.
“We owe it to this country to say clearly and without fear: no ideology, no institution and no political convenience should ever again be allowed to stand in the way of protecting children”
See more at: https://www.therapeganginquiry.org
Image from Grok.
