Grooming gangs inquiry LIVE as 'damning' review to be published

A 'damning' review into grooming gangs is set to be published as the government announces details of a new national inquiry.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper will address Parliament over the review which has prompted the Prime Minister to launch a new probe. Keir Starmer announced the decision on Saturday (June 14) after reading 'ever word' of the review by Baroness Louise Casey.

The 'rapid national audit' looking at the scale of grooming gangs across the country was first announced earlier this year.

It followed outrage over the government's decision not to hold a national inquiry at the request of Oldham council.

Instead, the government agreed to help fund five local inquiries, including one in Oldham, arguing that this would be more effective.

However, the Prime Minister has now decided to hold a new national inquiry with more details set to be announced this afternoon.

Ms Cooper will deliver a statement in the House of Commons at 3.30pm. The 200-page Casey review will then be published.

Former GMP detective turned campaigner Maggie Oliver, who has been helping Baroness Casey with her review, said the findings will be 'absolutely damning'.

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Yvette Cooper begins her statement by referring to the recent conviction of seven men for abusing girls in Rochdale. She pays tribute to the women who came forward for their 'incredible bravery', saying it should not have taken so long to convict them.

She says arrests and investigations are increasing with more than 800 cases now identified for formal review. She expects that figure to rise above a thousand in the coming weeks.

The 'rapid national audit' by Baroness Casey is set to be published after the Home Secretary makes her statement in the House