Chris Mason: A clear nod to demands for a new child abuse inquiry

A senior government figure told me, "We can't ignore this." This statement reveals the fundamental reason for the government's action. Political reality is forcing the government to take concrete steps, as public discussion and anger over child sexual abuse have intensified in recent weeks.

The biggest catalyst for public anger is the widespread dissatisfaction with the status quo, with many believing the government has failed to effectively combat these horrific crimes, deliver justice, and prevent their recurrence. This anger was amplified by the world's richest man, Elon Musk, through his social media platform X, who called for a national public inquiry. Similar demands from the Conservative Party, Reform UK, and other parties have plunged the government into a storm of public opinion.

While the criticisms from the government's political opponents have been the most direct, there have also been voices within the Labour Party publicly calling for further government action, such as Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who suggested a "limited" national inquiry. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper's announcement, while not establishing a national public inquiry, is clearly a response to those demanding one.

The government hopes this move will at least quell, if not eliminate, accusations that it is trying to cover up the truth. At the same time, the government is aware that many prominent figures, including former independent inquiry chair Professor Alexis Jay, believe that another inquiry could be counterproductive. Professor Jay's inquiry heard testimony from 7,000 people, and she believes the focus now must be on action and implementing change.

Many questions remain regarding the government's new measures. Firstly, which towns, besides Oldham, will be selected for their own reviews? Secondly, how might the scope and intensity of government action change after the completion of the three-month national audit? In recent weeks, many critics have said that this debate has been reduced to a political exploitation of the victims of the worst abuse. While there has certainly been some opportunistic hype, it is undeniable that the high level of attention to this issue has prompted a faster government response than usual.

Finally, a thought-provoking phenomenon: if you want to understand the unconventional, even absurd, nature of politics in 2025, a government official texted me earlier, with a hint of surprise, attaching a social media link. Elon Musk had offered a cautious welcome on X to the Home Secretary's statement. Yes, how a billionaire across the Pacific perceives this statement does indeed matter. After all, he has been a megaphone for this debate in recent weeks.