Grooming gangs inquiry divided over the question of widening its focus

Some survivors involved in the inquiry are now refusing to take part because it transpired those on the panel would not have to be survivors of grooming gangs. Image posed by a model Photograph: Paul Faith/PA

Deep divisions surrounding Keir Starmer’s inquiry into grooming gangs were first disclosed by the Guardian last week. But for one of the survivors now refusing to take part, splits first emerged in July, a month after the inquiry was announced.

Fiona Goddard, who was abused by a gang while a teenager in a Bradford children’s home, said she and other grooming gang survivors were told in June that the inquiry would centre on group-based child sexual exploitation of girls by grooming gangs.