Survivors Quit Grooming Gangs Inquiry Over 'Cover-up' Fears

The UK government's national grooming gangs inquiry, set up by Keir Starmer in June, has hit a major snag. Several survivors of abuse have quit the process, saying it feels like their voices are being ignored. Seetal Patel, Rothera Bray's Abuse Claims specialist, comments on the latest events.

Fiona Goddard and Ellie Reynolds resigned from the inquiry's Victims and Survivors Panel on Monday. On Tuesday, a third survivor, known as "Elizabeth," also stepped down, followed by another survivor, "Jess".

They said the Home Office and ministers were controlling the process and not listening properly to survivors.

All women are understandably upset, hurt and angry that the two people shortlisted to lead the inquiry include a former police chief and a social worker, groups they say failed victims in the past.