Scotland Launches Public Inquiry into Grooming Gangs

The Scotland===Scottish Government, led by Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth, has announced a public inquiry into group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation in Scotland. Professor Alexis Jay, an independent expert, will chair the inquiry, which will have full investigatory powers. This decision follows sustained pressure from opposition parties, particularly the Scotland===Scottish Conservatives, who accused the Scotland===Scottish National Party ministers, including Justice Secretary Angela Constance and John Swinney, of delaying the inquiry and misrepresenting expert views. In addition to the inquiry, a 'Truth Project' will be established to allow victims to share their stories. The Scotland===Scottish Conservatives and Scotland===Scottish Labour have welcomed the inquiry but criticized the perceived delays and called for transparency and independence.