First Minister Pressed for National Inquiry into Grooming Gangs
Scotland's First Minister, John Swinney, has stated he is 'open' to launching a national inquiry into grooming gangs operating within the country. This significant announcement came during First Minister's Questions at Holyrood on Thursday 13 November 2025, following intense pressure from a survivor of child sexual exploitation.
The SNP leader was compelled to act after receiving a direct and powerful letter from a young victim, known under the pseudonym 'Taylor'. In her correspondence, she detailed the harrowing abuse she and her friends endured, calling for a comprehensive national probe to address the systemic failures that allowed such crimes to persist.
Survivor's Harrowing Account and Call for Action
Taylor, who is now in her twenties, described being targeted by a grooming gang from the age of 13. She alleged that she and her friends were plied with alcohol and drugs and sexually abused by at least 10 men in areas of Glasgow, including Govanhill and Rutherglen. She specifically identified the perpetrators as a 'Pakistani grooming gang'.
Her decision to write to the First Minister was driven by discovering 'upsetting information' within her care records. Taylor explained that she had initially believed care homes, police, and social services were unaware of the abuse, but her records suggested otherwise. She expressed being 'deeply disappointed' by the responses from both Mr Swinney and Police Scotland, which she described as dismissive.
'I realised that... nothing has been done to protect vulnerable children in Scotland,' Taylor wrote. 'It is clear that it is still happening.' She emphatically stated that a full inquiry is the only way to uncover the scale of the abuse, understand why it went unchecked, and ensure it cannot continue.
Political and Police Response to the Crisis
During the parliamentary session, Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay directly challenged the First Minister, echoing Taylor's concerns that police had 'turned a blind eye or even engaged in cover up'. He stressed that this is not a historic issue but one that is ongoing, demanding immediate and transparent action.
In his response, Mr Swinney praised Taylor's 'courage' and urged all victims to report their experiences to the police. He outlined existing governmental efforts, including work by the National Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Strategic Group and a police review of current and historical child abuse investigations.
However, he confirmed the government's position: 'I reiterate that we remain open to the question of an inquiry on grooming gangs'. He added that the government would reflect on whether further scrutiny is needed based on the outcomes of ongoing police and judicial processes.
Police Scotland, addressing the complaint made by Taylor in September 2025, stated that as no formal crime report was made at the time, the matter did not meet the criteria for a police complaint. Detective Superintendent Nicky McGovern emphasised their multi-agency approach and assured that any report of child sexual exploitation would be taken seriously, with support from specialist officers.
