MPs reject Tories’ calls for a nationwide investigation into British human trafficking gangs
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MPs rejected calls for a new nationwide inquiry into smuggling gangs on Wednesday evening after the issue was placed on parliament’s agenda by the Conservatives following pressure from tech billionaire Elon Musk.
In the House of Commons, the government’s majority rejected a Conservative amendment to the Education Act that called for a nationwide inquiry. A total of 364 MPs voted against the amendment and 111 were in favour.
MPs’ vote came after ministers previously said they were ready to launch a new nationwide inquiry into historic grooming cases involving the sexual exploitation of girls by gangs of mainly British-Pakistani men.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the government’s Tory amendment to the Schools Act as a “destructive change” as it would block the legislation’s passage if passed.
Musk has called for a nationwide investigation into smuggling gangs in the UK as he launched vicious attacks on Starmer and his protection minister Jess Phillips.
This is a developing story.
