Disinformation Allegations
Safeguarding minister Jess Phillips has accused tech billionaire Elon Musk of spreading “disinformation” that endangers her safety. Musk, a key adviser to President-elect Donald Trump, labeled Phillips a “rape genocide apologist” and called for her imprisonment on his social media platform X.
Phillips confirmed that threats to her safety had increased since Musk’s posts, describing the experience as “very, very, very tiring” but noting, “It’s nothing compared to what victims of abuse endure.” She added, “I’m no stranger to people who don’t know what they’re talking about trying to silence women like me.”
Controversy Over Grooming Gangs Inquiry
The row stems from Phillips rejecting calls for a national public inquiry into child sexual exploitation cases involving grooming gangs, mainly of Pakistani descent. Phillips argued that local inquiries like the one in Telford are more effective for creating actionable change.
“What I saw happen in Telford is the exact opposite of what I’ve seen from national inquiries. I saw change happen,” she said, defending the model of locally-led independent investigations.
Calls for a National Inquiry
Critics, including Conservative shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick, insist on a new national inquiry, citing growing evidence of grooming gangs in at least 50 towns. Jenrick said, “The cowardly officials and councillors who have covered this up can also be brought to justice.”
The Conservatives have proposed an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill to establish a statutory national inquiry. However, with Labour’s House of Commons majority, the amendment is unlikely to pass.
Debate Over Effectiveness
Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticized the Conservative tactic, arguing it risks undermining critical child safeguarding measures in the bill. “It’s shocking they are even thinking about this as a tactic,” Starmer told The Mirror.
Meanwhile, Prof. Alexis Jay, who led the seven-year Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), emphasized that further inquiries are unnecessary. “We’ve had enough of inquiries, consultations, and discussions. Action is needed locally and nationally,” she said.
Phillips Defends Labour’s Position
Phillips dismissed accusations that the government is blocking a national inquiry, asserting that local models like Telford’s are more impactful. “It is not the council marking their own homework. It is an independent inquiry led locally, and it’s the only model I’ve seen work,” she explained.
The Labour government remains committed to safeguarding measures in the bill, prioritizing action over additional inquiries. Shadow education minister Neil O’Brien, however, urged Labour MPs to support the proposed amendment, arguing it would provide victims with answers and justice.
