On December 3, 2025, the Scottish government took a decisive step in addressing mounting concerns over child sexual exploitation by announcing a national review into the operation of grooming gangs across Scotland. The move, which follows a series of high-profile abuse cases and growing political pressure, is designed to establish a clearer picture of the scale and nature of group-based child sexual abuse—and will inform whether a full, judge-led public inquiry should follow.
The review will be conducted by a coalition of independent oversight bodies: the Care Inspectorate, the Inspectorate of Constabulary and Education, and Healthcare Improvement Scotland. These organizations, known for their autonomy from government influence, have been tasked with gathering and assessing evidence on group-related child sexual abuse and exploitation. Their work will run in parallel with the ongoing Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry and a Police Scotland review of historical cases, as confirmed by a Scottish Government spokesperson and reported by BBC News and Sky News.
At the helm of this ambitious review is Professor Alexis Jay, a figure well-known for her expertise in investigating child sexual abuse. Professor Jay previously chaired the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse in England and Wales, lending her considerable experience and credibility to Scotland’s efforts. Beginning in January 2026, she will chair Scotland’s National Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Strategic Group, overseeing the review and guiding ministers on the best path forward.
Professor Jay expressed her commitment to the role, telling Sky News, “There is much to do, and do quickly.” She also acknowledged the work of her predecessors and the urgency of the task, stating, “The work of the independent Inspectorates should provide the evidence for Scottish Ministers to determine whether further action is required to disrupt child sexual exploitation in Scotland.”
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth, speaking in Holyrood during a debate led by Scottish Labour on transparency and child sexual exploitation, emphasized the sensitivity and complexity of the issue. “Our thoughts are with victims of child abuse who have already suffered so much; this matter must be handled sensitively and with the utmost respect and consideration for their experiences,” she said, as quoted by The Scotsman. Gilruth reiterated the government’s position: “We have been clear that we are prepared to give every consideration to an inquiry on this issue, and that any such decision needs to be based on information, evidence and a greater understanding of the scale and nature of this form of abuse and of the responses to it.”
The national review comes after a number of disturbing cases brought the issue into sharp public focus. Among them was the notorious "beastie house" paedophile ring in Glasgow and the recent sentencing of a Romanian grooming gang in Dundee. In November 2025, the debate intensified when a young woman—referred to as Taylor—wrote to First Minister John Swinney, alleging she had been preyed upon by at least ten men, beginning when she was just 13 years old and in care. Her claims, which included being given alcohol and drugs and suffering repeated sexual abuse, prompted a fresh wave of calls for government action. Swinney confirmed receipt of her letter and praised her courage, stating that the Scottish government “remained open” to a grooming gangs inquiry, as reported by BBC Scotland.
The political response to the government’s announcement has been mixed, reflecting the complexity and emotion surrounding the issue. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar welcomed the review, albeit with a note of frustration: “We know there are grooming gangs in Scotland. We know there are victims of grooming gangs in Scotland. We've got to do absolutely everything to make sure we have robust systems in place to make sure those historic cases have been dealt with appropriately and that any existing or future cases will be dealt with appropriately.” Sarwar added, “Having this independent review with independent oversight is really important. But if that review comes back and says we must have an inquiry, then we must have an inquiry.”
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay, on the other hand, has been a vocal critic, arguing that the government’s actions do not go far enough. He stated, “The SNP have finally been shamed into taking action, but this doesn't go far enough, and grooming gang victims won't be fooled or fobbed off. We will continue to press John Swinney and his justice secretary to deliver a full and fearless independent inquiry into the scale of grooming gang activity in Scotland.” Findlay’s party previously attempted to amend the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill in September 2025 to mandate a public inquiry, but the proposal was rejected by the government.
To foster cross-party engagement and transparency, the Scottish government has invited leaders of all parties, along with members of Holyrood’s education and justice committees, to attend a briefing with Professor Jay and Police Scotland in early 2026. This meeting aims to share insights from the review process and ensure that all political voices have an opportunity to contribute to the conversation about Scotland’s response to grooming gangs.
The Scottish government’s approach is unfolding in the context of broader UK efforts to tackle group-based child sexual exploitation. In February 2025, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer commissioned Dame Louise Casey to evaluate the scale, nature, and drivers of group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse at both national and local levels. Dame Louise’s review recommended a national inquiry for England and Wales, which Starmer accepted, stating it was “the right thing to do” given the findings. The resulting Independent Commission on Grooming Gangs has been granted legal powers to direct investigations and summon witnesses, and a panel of abuse survivors has been given a central role, though not without controversy—four survivors resigned from the panel in October 2025, protesting the government’s handling of the process.
Back in Scotland, the review’s findings will be crucial in determining whether a full public inquiry—similar to that now underway in England and Wales—should be launched. The government has pledged that any such decision will be based on concrete evidence and a comprehensive understanding of the issue’s scale and impact. As Education Secretary Gilruth put it, “Any decision needs to be based on information, evidence and a greater understanding of the scale and nature of this form of abuse and of the responses to it.”
For survivors, campaigners, and politicians alike, the stakes could hardly be higher. The review represents both a moment of reckoning and an opportunity—to confront painful truths, to strengthen protections for vulnerable children, and to ensure that Scotland’s response to group-based child sexual exploitation is as robust, transparent, and compassionate as possible.
While the outcome of the review and the possibility of a public inquiry remain uncertain, the government’s commitment to engaging independent experts and oversight bodies, and to listening—at last—to the voices of survivors, marks a significant turning point in Scotland’s fight against grooming gangs.
