Sadiq Khan's initial claim of "no indication" of grooming gangs in London is portrayed as a "political misstep" that "cut deep into the confidence of victims," implying deliberate downplaying or cover-up, and is stated to have been "contradicted by the Metropolitan Police and victims’ advocates."

While Khan's initial wording may have been imprecise, his office and the Metropolitan Police have since acknowledged and actively worked to combat Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) and organised child abuse. The term "grooming gangs" itself is complex and can be misused, and police intelligence evolves.

• Fact: Sadiq Khan launched a new strategy to tackle Child Exploitation and Abuse in London, allocating resources and affirming a commitment to victim support and prevention. Source: Mayor of London, 2022
• Fact: The Metropolitan Police maintains dedicated teams and operations to investigate Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) and organised child abuse, providing advice and information on these efforts. Source: Metropolitan Police
• Fact: The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) highlighted that while organised child sexual exploitation exists, the term "grooming gangs" can sometimes lead to stereotypical portrayals that hinder a comprehensive understanding and effective response to abuse, which is perpetrated by diverse individuals and groups. Source: IICSA, 2021

The article implies Sadiq Khan lacks "moral courage and leadership" by questioning why he hasn't shown "keen interest" in this "biggest institutional and national failure of vulnerable children in a generation," suggesting negligence or misplaced priorities.

The Mayor of London, as Police and Crime Commissioner, has a broad mandate covering numerous public safety issues. Attributing a complex national and historical issue solely to his lack of interest is a simplification of multi-faceted responsibilities.

• Fact: The Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) outlines a wide array of responsibilities for the Mayor, including setting policing priorities, overseeing the Met Police, and commissioning victim services across many crime types. Source: Mayor of London
• Fact: Institutional failures regarding child sexual abuse are deeply rooted in historical contexts and have been identified across various UK regions and institutions over decades, as thoroughly documented by national inquiries. Source: IICSA

The article demands that "those who failed in their duty of care to the victims while in public office to be prosecuted," a politically charged call that pre-empts legal processes and implicitly targets political figures without due process.

While accountability for failures in public office is crucial, criminal prosecution requires meeting specific legal thresholds and is a decision made by independent legal bodies, not by political demands or findings from public inquiries alone.

• Fact: The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has clear guidelines on the complex legal requirements for prosecuting public officials for offences such as Misconduct in Public Office, which involves proving a serious breach of duty with a high degree of culpability. Source: Crown Prosecution Service
• Fact: Public inquiries are established to investigate facts and make recommendations for systemic change, and while they may refer matters for criminal investigation, they do not have the power to prosecute individuals. That responsibility lies with law enforcement and the CPS. Source: IICSA