Child grooming in London is spiraling out of control, outpacing any other region in Britain. Chris Wild, a vigilant youth advisor and survivor of child sex abuse, has laid bare the grim reality—child grooming is not merely a problem; it is a crisis in the capital.

During his work, Wild has witnessed firsthand horrendous acts of exploitation. He reports alarming instances of children being groomed, going missing, and falling prey to drug gangs and child prostitution. This is a stark wake-up call that demands immediate attention and action.

Recent data from Baroness Louise Casey’s review highlights that London’s Metropolitan Police recorded an astonishing 2.77 cases of suspected child sex abuse per 1,000 children in the past year. Yet, local authorities only recognized 1.3 children needing assessments for exploitation. This glaring inconsistency reveals a system that is neglecting vulnerable children and failing to protect our most innocent citizens.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police admitted that “too many victims, particularly young girls, were let down” and acknowledged that the police must improve their efforts. While they recognize that criminal exploitation from gangs poses a significant threat, they also concede that their data must be more comprehensive to give a true picture of the crisis. This is unacceptable. We deserve better accountability and transparency.

The focus on child grooming has often been misdirected toward specific towns like Rochdale and Rotherham, but investigative reporting has uncovered evidence of grooming networks in at least 50 towns across the nation, including London. This issue encompasses a broader range of child exploitation than often acknowledged.

In a feeble attempt to dodge accountability, Mayor Sadiq Khan has been criticized for his evasiveness regarding the existence of grooming gangs in the city. When questioned by Conservative Assembly Member Susan Hall, Khan ignored the clear issue at hand, showing a troubling lack of concern for the safety of children. The public deserves a leader who confronts these realities, not one who plays games and stonewalls vital questions.

Following the Casey review’s recommendations, the Labour government under Sir Keir Starmer finally approved a national inquiry targeting the deeply troubling issue of grooming gangs. This is a crucial step forward in addressing the failures of police and local authorities—especially regarding the protection of young girls who have suffered at the hands of these gangs.

It is time for political leaders to stop dodging their responsibilities and start safeguarding our children with the seriousness they deserve. Protecting the most vulnerable among us should be a non-negotiable priority. No more excuses; we demand action!