Grooming gangs inquiry ‘must consider ethnicity and religion’, Badenoch says

‘[Louise Casey’s] report said that those who downplay the ethnicity of perpetrators are continuing to let down society, local communities and the victims. We agree,’ Badenoch said. Photograph: Lucy North/PA

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.