Greater Manchester Police Responds to Grooming Gangs Inquiry Findings

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has issued a statement in response to a critical report detailing systemic failures related to grooming gangs, as highlighted by a national review led by Baroness Louise Casey. The report, released on June 16, 2025, outlines troubling findings about the police’s and local authorities' handling of child sexual exploitation (CSE) in the region, particularly following Operation Span, which previously suggested that there was 'nothing further to learn' from past mistakes.

Baroness Casey's report emphasizes that GMP and Rochdale Council 'failed to prioritise the protection of children' who were victims of sexual exploitation by a significant number of male perpetrators in the Rochdale area. She stated, 'Until we are able to acknowledge the problem fully, apologise and make good on the wrongs, it will be hard to ‘move on’.'

In light of these findings, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced that the government has accepted all twelve recommendations outlined in the report. She asserted that there will be 'no hiding from justice' as a national inquiry into the issue of grooming gangs is set to be established.

Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker, GMP's lead for Vulnerability and Public Protection, welcomed the report and the promise of a new inquiry, stating, 'Greater Manchester Police will approach this with openness and transparency and welcome the statutory powers this invokes to ensure complete accountability.' He acknowledged the report's alignment with previous independent reviews conducted by the Mayor of Greater Manchester, which also addressed the failures of the police in safeguarding vulnerable children.

Parker expressed his regret for past inadequacies, stating, 'I want to reiterate my apology to all those who have been let down by GMP in the past.' He noted that the report provides tangible evidence that improvements have been made in the police's practices, including a dedicated CSE Major Investigation Team with nearly 100 officers and staff investigating serious and complex multi-victim CSE cases.

Despite these advancements, Parker emphasized that the police still have 'a way to go' and are not complacent about the challenges that remain. He highlighted the importance of learning from the report's recommendations, stating that they will be assessed by the CSE Major Investigation Team to ensure that GMP meets the required standards moving forward.

The report also indicates a troubling trend in the demographics of offenders in Greater Manchester, noting that the data shows a higher proportion of Asian offenders compared to other parts of the country. Parker reiterated that GMP's commitment to tackling child exploitation is evidence-led and without prejudice, stating, 'Our position is clear, we will always be led by the evidence, no matter how and where the offences occur.'

In recent developments, GMP has successfully prosecuted seven men for 50 offences as part of Operation Lytton, which is the second major investigation into non-recent CSE in Rochdale, bringing the total number of convictions in such cases to 32. Parker acknowledged the bravery of survivors in coming forward, stating that their testimony has been crucial in achieving justice.

As GMP continues its efforts to improve and respond to the recommendations from Baroness Casey’s review, it remains committed to providing tailored support for survivors of child sexual exploitation, ensuring that their needs are prioritized and respected throughout the investigative process. The police’s approach includes proactive engagement with potential victims and a commitment to addressing the exploitation of children across all communities, regardless of ethnicity or background.

In conclusion, while Greater Manchester Police acknowledges the significant progress made in addressing past failures, the organization is focused on implementing the necessary changes to prevent such systemic issues in the future, emphasizing that the pursuit of justice for survivors remains at the forefront of their mandate.