The Police and Crime Committee convened to discuss the persistent issue of grooming gangs in London, hearing evidence from the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) and the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC). Key discussions focused on the MPS's evolving approach to child sexual exploitation, the challenges of data collection and victim trust, and the effectiveness of multi-agency working.

Grooming Gangs in London: MPS Assessment and Response

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Kevin Southworth KPM of the MPS detailed the significant improvements made since 2022 in tackling child sexual exploitation and abuse. He highlighted a cultural shift within the MPS, including extensive training for officers to avoid victim-blaming and adultification, leading to a marked increase in investigations and charges. Operation Beaconport, a national review of historic cases, is underway to identify past safeguarding failures. While acknowledging the abhorrent nature of these crimes, DAC Southworth emphasised the MPS's preference for precise terminology, such as group-based child sexual exploitation organised, over grooming gangs to avoid public misinterpretation and unnecessary concern. He confirmed that active investigations into organised group-based child sexual exploitation are ongoing, with tens of such cases at any one time.

Addressing Public Trust and Confidence

Assembly Members raised concerns about the MPS's historical reputation for mishandling cases, which has led to a lack of trust among victims. DAC Southworth acknowledged this, stating that the MPS is undergoing a significant cultural transformation, including training 23,000 officers on avoiding adultification and victim-blaming. He stressed that trust must be earned and that the MPS is committed to a suspect-focused approach, believing victims and investigating facts objectively. The Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kaya Comer-Schwartz, echoed these sentiments, highlighting MOPAC's oversight role and support for the MPS's Child First strategy.

Data Collection and Intelligence Sharing

Concerns were raised about historical data gaps, particularly regarding the ethnicity and nationality of perpetrators and victims. The MPS is working to improve data recording, with flagging success rates increasing to 85 per cent, though the aim is for closer to 100 per cent. Technical fixes are being implemented to enhance data accuracy. The MPS also collaborates closely with national and international partners, including the NCA, TOEX, and Hydrant, to share intelligence and identify risks. The development of Multi-Agency Child Protection Teams (MACPTs) is expected to provide a more holistic view of children's needs and improve multi-agency responses.

Support for Victims and Survivors

MOPAC, through its commissioning arrangements, aims to ensure sustainable specialist support for victims. Services like The Lighthouse, a centre of expertise for the criminal justice process, and CSE hubs commissioned with NHS ICBs, are designed to be victim-led and trauma-informed. The Mayor has announced additional funding to increase the capacity of these services. MOPAC is also working to ensure continuity of care for young people transitioning from child to adult services. The Sexual Violence Alliance has been established to provide system-wide oversight of support services.

Partnership Working and Trauma-Informed Approaches

The Committee discussed the effectiveness of Multi-Agency Child Exploitation (MACE) meetings across London. While established, there is a need for greater consistency in their application and makeup across different Basic Command Units (BCUs) to avoid a postcode lottery of services. The development of new London-wide protocols for harm outside the home is intended to address this. The importance of incorporating the voice of the child in all meetings concerning them was stressed, with lead professionals responsible for capturing and presenting these views.

The MPS's NMfL 2 training, which includes a dedicated day on Child First, is designed to be trauma-informed and informed by lived experience, with input from academics and young people. This training is considered pioneering and is of interest to the College of Policing. MOPAC is involved in overseeing the development and delivery of this training.

Challenges and Future Actions

Despite improvements, challenges remain, including the need for adequate resourcing, particularly given the MPS's current strain and the increasing number of missing children. Concerns were raised about the regulation of care homes and the vulnerability of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. The MPS is actively reviewing historic cases through Operation Beaconport and is committed to reinvestigating where appropriate. The Committee will continue to monitor the MPS's progress in these critical areas.

The meeting also touched upon the Palantir procurement issue, with MOPAC confirming the decision to halt the process due to concerns over value for money and adherence to procurement law, despite the MPS's assertion of legal and commercial compliance. The implications of this decision on MPS budgets and potential job losses were discussed, with MOPAC stating they are awaiting concrete information from the MPS on the operational impact.

Discussions also covered the MPS's cyber security resilience and the importance of robust training for officers and staff using new technologies, including AI. MOPAC is working with the MPS to develop an AI strategy with appropriate safeguards. The Committee expressed concerns about the lack of transparency regarding the MPS's cyber security strategy and the need for benchmarking against other public bodies.

Finally, the Committee addressed the issue of shoplifting, noting an increase in offences but also an improvement in reporting and positive outcomes due to new technology platforms. The MPS's Retail Crime Strategy and initiatives like Operation Yamata were highlighted. Concerns were raised about the impact of recent legislative changes on court backlogs and the potential for delayed justice. The Committee also discussed the sensitive issue of police conduct and restraint, awaiting the outcome of the IOPC investigation into the death of Henry Nowak.

The Committee concluded by noting its work programme and scheduling the next meeting for 9 September 2026.