Health Secretary Wes Streeting has labeled Elon Musk’s critique of the UK government’s handling of grooming gangs as “misjudged and certainly misinformed.” Musk, the tech tycoon, has used his social media platform X to lambast Sir Keir Starmer for allegedly failing to prosecute gangs involved in the systematic grooming and rape of young girls, even suggesting that safeguarding minister Jess Phillips should be incarcerated for not supporting a national inquiry.
In response, Streeting emphasized that “this government takes the issue of child sexual exploitation incredibly seriously” and extended an invitation to Musk to collaborate in combating these crimes, stating, “If he wants to work with us and roll his sleeves up, we’d welcome that.” Streeting made these comments while visiting a care home in Carlisle, highlighting the government’s commitment to fully implementing the recommendations from the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse, headed by Professor Alexis Jay.
Musk, who is also an advisor to US President-elect Donald Trump, has accused Starmer of negligence during his tenure as director of public prosecutions and has amplified calls by Reform UK and Conservative MPs for a national inquiry. His criticism of Phillips came after she declined a Home Office-led inquiry into Oldham, suggesting instead a local investigation similar to those in Rotherham and Telford.
Despite Musk’s advocacy, the Conservative Party, while calling for a national inquiry into what they describe as the “rape gangs scandal,” has criticized Musk for disseminating “factually inaccurate” information. Alicia Kearns, the Conservative shadow for safeguarding, has accused Musk of misdirecting attention from victims and endorsing controversial figures like Tommy Robinson.
Additionally, Reform UK’s Nigel Farage has disclosed ongoing discussions with Musk about a potential donation to the party, following a meeting at Trump’s Florida retreat.
Health Minister Andrew Gwynne advised Musk to concentrate on US politics, where he is expected to advise on federal spending cuts, noting that numerous inquiries into child sexual exploitation have already taken place in the UK. The Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse, concluding in 2022, underscored the scale of the problem, describing child sexual abuse as an “epidemic.” Professor Jay has expressed frustration over the lack of action on her inquiry’s recommendations, emphasizing the urgency for implementation rather than further discussion.
