The debate over whether or not Britain needs a national inquiry into rape gangs is a classic example of asking the wrong question, says Emma Revell

Before the start of the year, grooming gangs were probably an issue most people were aware of, but didn’t give day-to-day thought to. Fast forward through a furious bout of posting and reposting by Elon Musk and suddenly the issue shot up the political agenda, the public were outraged and the government was on the back foot.

Ministers are arguing that a national inquiry (as called for by Musk) isn’t needed because several local authorities have conducted their own already. Some voices do agree, adding that the government should get on with implementing the recommendations of the recent, independent review into child sexual exploitation. Professor Alexis Jay, who chaired that inquiry, told the BBC that victims “clearly want action” and that “we’ve had enough of inquiries, consultations and discussions”.

The majority opinion, however, seems to side with Musk: something must be done. According to YouGov, 76 per cent of Brits back a new inquiry. The Conservative Party have been using parliamentary process to try and force one through, and even Labour Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham now backs a “limited” inquiry.

The government has dug its heels in, presumably keen to avoid the perception that policy can be........

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