A nationwide inquiry into grooming gangs must “consider the role of ethnicity, religion and other cultural factors”, the opposition leader, Kemi Badenoch , has said.

The government has faced criticism over its efforts to set up the inquiry, which has been subject to delays and rows about its scope.

Speaking at a press conference in central London, Kemi Badenoch said: “I want to be clear that a national inquiry must leave no stone unturned. It must investigate councils, the police and even the government if necessary.

“It must be time-limited, and it must consider the role of ethnicity, religion and other cultural factors.

“Baroness (Louise) Casey’s own report admitted that many of these cases are committed by people of Asian and Pakistani ethnicities. Her own report said that those w

See Full Page