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Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favorite stories in this weekly newspaper.
Let’s recognize this latest political frenzy about fixing gang scandals for what they are. The sudden concern among politicians about the rights of a group of child rape victims – only those abused by men of Pakistani heritage – is not ironic.
Conservative leaders who failed to implement the recommendations of the last inquiry into child sexual abuse are suddenly calling for a new one. The Tory leadership blames the abuse “foreign cultures” (were they foreign customs when the legislators were in the Roman Catholic or Anglican church?). A Reform UK MP wants to be asked “why white British girls are being raped by men of Pakistani heritage”. The goal is clear and motivated by competition the ethno-nationalist love of Elon Musk.
It is a dream scandal for those who abuse it. Either they confirm their need for a new national inspection, to be pumped again, or they can cry and hide. And it plays into a broader program of destroying faith in the institutions of a free society.
We can see the lie in many of the statements. Grooming groups that preyed on young girls in towns such as Rotherham, Oxford, Oldham and Telford were not overlooked. There have been many questions over the past decade. As opposed to being exposed by street thug Tommy Robinson, it was exposed by The Times newspaper – you don’t get more mainstream media than that. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, then director of public prosecutions, certainly has credit me working to make sure the facilities.
But, once you get past the hesitation, here’s the thing. These atrocities did happen. The abuse was depressing and ongoing; shocking details. Ordinary people failed spectacularly. Misconceptions about the fact that the majority of the gangs were men of Pakistani origin and the fear of being seen as racist were prioritized, shamefully, over the pursuit of those abusive. Most important was the criticism of the police and the authorities for the victims who they said were low class people.
Arguments about another, more specific, case study of gang behavior are unclear. In Starmer’s words, “reasonable people” would disagree with this. The basic facts and common patterns of failure in abuse cases (a tight-knit community of abusers, power imbalances and victim indifference) are now well known. There were many local questions although it is not entirely accurate to say that this section was completely covered by Alexis Jay’s extensive question. There are good reasons why it would be better to go ahead with implementing his recommendations.
However, even making these points is knowing that it will not do. The case against research is a very hard sell. It’s hard to believe that the government’s phone will catch on – though, it’s a given details and incidents of white criminals, there is no case for limiting such investigations to criminals of one race.
For this flow it also highlights something else. Politics will no longer be done the way it used to be. The direct and surprising action of Musk in the name of the hard right across western countries – a kind of Maga imperialism – as well as the power of TikTok, and the detachment of Meta from real analysis and measurement of marking the last step in the overthrow of the old laws. speech. Musk has become increasingly hostile to Starmer since the arrest linked to the social media scandal in Southport.
The days of high-pitched contempt, or rebuking arguments with a single magisterial speech broadcast on TV news channels, are over. the debate is no longer focused on a few controllable media. Unacceptable decisions cannot be quietly passed over to the public. Social media and news-making podcasts operate outside the rules. The war is waged with speed, extreme language, misinformation and exaggerated messages. The challenge for the major parties is that political success requires a skill that does not rely on changing opinions, statistics or technical facts. It makes it more difficult to govern.
This harsh environment calls for immediate awareness of issues of wide concern. Another reason why the demand for research is so strong is that it seems reasonable, putting ordinary citizens on the side of the instigators.
The weight of the country is not against immigrants. I am pro-control, pro-integration and, above all, pro-fairness. Citizens will not tolerate holding serious atrocities on the basis of racial sentiments. They expect common standards to be implemented – the epithet “two-tier Keir” is too dangerous for Starmer.
The final mistake was the pace of change at the national level. Inquiries are handled, recommendations are received and suspended. Attention shifts elsewhere. Jay’s research lasted seven years and two more have passed. The data is still insufficient. An important proposal for a new offense of failing to act on reports of abuse has not been introduced. The Conservatives dawdled and The job workedpost-Musk. Citizens are rightfully pissed off and now they have a way to make themselves unfiltered.
This saga is a brutal example of how Musk has brought internet politics to its inevitable end. The field has changed irrevocably. Unless senior leaders wish to move further down the informal learning curve, they need a new playbook. The digital format will mercilessly beat those who are still in analogue mode.
