Baiting gang brawl: UK MP Rupert Lowe hits back at political rivals’ attempts to ‘demonize’ him’ | World News
MP Rupert Lowe has defended his independent sex grooming ring investigation after facing criticism from political opponents, saying efforts to smear him would not undermine efforts to hold criminals and those holding them accountable.Following the release of the investigative report, Lowe said in a statement posted on X that the investigation will now enter a private prosecution phase aimed at bringing the alleged perpetrators and their enablers to court.Responding to criticism from the likes of Zach Polanski and former Scottish first minister Humza Youssef, Lowe accused opponents of trying to “demonize” him after the report was released.Lowe believes discussion of the issue has been suppressed for years and claims fear of being accused of racism has led to a failure to properly address the abuse of vulnerable girls in some communities.In a statement, the Great Yarmouth MP said there was a link between religion and some of the crimes examined. He specifically mentioned Islam, arguing that politicians should be willing to discuss the issue openly.“There is a clear connection between religion and these heinous crimes that have long stained our country. That religion is Islam and other politicians must finally find the courage to say so,” Lowe said.He also claimed that the abuse of vulnerable white girls by gangs involving Muslim men in Pakistan had been covered up for decades because authorities and politicians were unwilling to discuss the ethnic and religious backgrounds of some offenders.Lowe said the release of the report marked the beginning of a new phase in the campaign and insisted threats, abuse and intimidation would not deter those involved in the investigation.“Our goal is to put rapists and their accomplices behind bars. That is our goal now,” he wrote.The report is part of Lowy’s wider campaign, which is calling for greater accountability in historic grooming gang cases, greater support for victims and further action against those found to have committed or facilitated abuse.
