The Rape Gang Inquiry

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Structure of the Inquiry:

• A qualified panel will be appointed to oversee the inquiry.
• A legal advisory team will support the panel throughout the inquiry.

The inquiry will take place in three defined stages:

Stage 1 – Launch & Evidence Collection

• Official launch of the inquiry with a call for written evidence.
• A secure submission process will be set up with a clear deadline for all submissions.

Stage 2 – Public Hearings

• A multiple day live-streamed hearing period.
• Hearings will be closed to the public (for safety and control) but broadcast online to ensure transparency.
• Panel-led questioning of witnesses; in cases of non-attendance, questions will still be put on record.
• Witness protection and safeguarding will be prioritised.

Stage 3 – Report & Publication

• A closed period for the panel to compile findings and draft the report.
• Pre-set publication date for the final report.
• Follow-up Q&A session led by Rupert and the panel to publicly respond to the findings.

Core Inquiry Questions

To maintain focus and deliver actionable conclusions, the inquiry will centre around three key questions:

• What happened?
• How did it happen?
• Why was it allowed to happen?

Funding

• Costs will be kept minimal and transparent, covering:
  • Panel and legal advisor fees
  • Venue hire and security
  • Travel expenses for witnesses
• Any surplus funds will be donated to charities supporting victims of grooming and exploitation.
• Every line of spending will be published 

Witnesses/participants

Victims and Survivors

• Individuals affected by grooming gangs who are willing to share their experiences.
• Survivors will be given the option to testify anonymously or via written/video statement to ensure their safety and comfort.

Whistleblowers and Frontline Professionals

• Police officers, social workers, and council employees who raised concerns or witnessed systemic failings.
• Former professionals who left their positions in protest or disillusionment.

Institutional Figures

• Representatives from:
  • Local Authorities (especially those implicated in previous cases)
  • Police Forces
  • Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
  • Social Services
  • Local Education Authorities

Politicians and Decision Makers

• MPs, councillors, and other officials who were in office during key periods.
• Those who may have been warned, made decisions, or ignored red flags.

Academics and Journalists

• Experts on child exploitation, grooming, and community impact.
• Investigative journalists who have documented the failures.

What Happens If Witnesses Don’t Show?

If a witness refuses to appear:

• The panel will still proceed with the line of questioning, documenting the absence and reading questions into the record.
• Any evidence related to that individual or institution will still be examined and referenced, including public records, whistleblower statements, or previous reports.
• Non-attendance will be noted in the final report, possibly raising questions about accountability or transparency.
• The livestream format ensures the public sees who did and didn’t cooperate.
• Where appropriate, legal avenues may be considered (e.g. public letters of concern or formal requests) to highlight deliberate obstruction.