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Elon Musk, the inventor of Tesla, has sparked controversy by urging King Charles to dissolve the UK Parliament due to its handling of gang grooming allegations.
This followed Labour's rejection of a nationwide investigation into these gangs.
Musk said, "Starmer was complicit in the rape of Britain when he was head of Crown Prosecution for 6 years," accusing Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer of participating in the "rape of Britain" while serving as the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
UK government and Labour representatives respond to Musk's accusations
The UK government has brushed aside Musk's remarks as ill-informed.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting stressed the government's commitment to tackling child sexual exploitation, adding that some of Musk's criticisms were "misjudged and certainly misinformed."
The government also cited a 2022 national inquiry into child sexual exploitation that is under review.
Labour defends Starmer's record, Musk criticizes Phillips
Labour representatives defended Starmer's record as DPP, emphasizing the reforms he introduced.
A Labour spokesperson reiterated the party's commitment to tackling child exploitation and backed independent reviews similar to those in Greater Manchester.
Meanwhile, Musk has also slammed safeguarding minister Jess Phillips for rejecting a Home Office-led inquiry into Oldham.
Tory MP Kemi Badenoch joined Musk's call for a full national inquiry, while Phillips insisted inquiries should be locally commissioned.
Grooming gangs in northern England: A significant issue
Grooming gangs have been a major problem in northern England, with probes exposing the rampant abuse.
The 2014 Rotherham inquiry found 1,400 victims over 16 years. Critics say action against perpetrators was delayed over fear of being called racist.
Whistleblower Maggie Oliver slammed past inquiries and demanded independent probes and accountability of public officials, saying they have "wasted" millions and failed to bring change.
Whistleblowers express frustration, call for accountability
Oliver accused both Conservatives and Labour of being equally guilty of not addressing grooming gang crimes. She called Starmer "perhaps as guilty as anyone."
Another whistleblower, Sara Rowbotham, was frustrated that Musk got involved in the issue, wondering what his motivation was.
The Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse called child sexual exploitation an "epidemic," with recommendations from a 2022 inquiry led by Professor Alexis Jay yet to be implemented.
