MPs reject Tory bid to launch another grooming gang inquiry

MPs have rejected a Conservative bid to push for another national inquiry into grooming gangs.

The amendment to the Government’s draft child protection legislation was put to a Commons’ vote on Wednesday following a bitter Prime Minister’s Questions in which Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said failing to back a probe would fuel concerns about a “cover-up”.

The Conservatives had tabled the amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill demanding a new national inquiry into gangs which, if approved, would have prevented the legislation from making progress.

But MPs voted rejected the motion by 364 votes to 111, majority 253.