Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips told BBC’s Newsnight that disinformation spread by Elon Musk was “endangering” her, though she emphasized that her experiences paled in comparison to victims of abuse. Musk, a tech billionaire and adviser to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, labeled Phillips a “rape genocide apologist” on his social media platform X and suggested she should be jailed.
Asked if her safety had been compromised following Musk’s posts, Phillips responded, “yes.” She described the situation as “very, very, very tiring” but added, “I’m no stranger to people who don’t know what they’re talking about trying to silence women like me.”
Phillips, known for her advocacy against violence toward women and girls, said she was “resigned to the lot in life” that comes with her work.
The dispute between Musk and the UK government revolves around the government’s decision not to lead a public inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Oldham. Musk’s criticism was prompted by Phillips rejecting calls for a national inquiry into grooming gangs, which primarily involved men of Pakistani descent convicted of sexually abusing predominantly white girls.
Phillips defended the government’s decision, arguing that local inquiries, such as one conducted in Telford, were more effective. “What I saw happen in Telford is the exact opposite of what I have seen happen because of the national expert inquiry. I saw change happen,” she said. She added that she plans to bring council leaders together to apply lessons learned from the Telford inquiry.
Phillips dismissed concerns about local inquiries being biased, stating, “It is an independent inquiry led locally, and it’s the only model I’ve seen work in 15 years.”
Critics, including Conservative shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick, have called for a new national inquiry, arguing that the scale of grooming gang cases across at least 50 towns warrants broader action. “We can prevent other vulnerable young girls from being in this position again, and the frankly cowardly officials and councillors who have covered this up can also be brought to justice,” Jenrick said.
The Conservatives have proposed an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill to establish a “national statutory inquiry into historical child sexual exploitation.” However, with Labour’s significant majority in the House of Commons, the amendment is unlikely to pass.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticized the proposed amendment, describing it as a “tactic” that prioritizes political gain over safeguarding children. “It’s shocking they are even thinking about this as a tactic,” he told The Mirror, emphasizing that MPs should focus on passing measures that protect children.
However, shadow education minister Neil O’Brien accused the government of blocking a full national inquiry. “Labour MPs now have a first chance to vote to give victims answers and justice,” he said.
The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), which lasted seven years and concluded in 2022, made 20 recommendations for addressing abuse but has yet to see its proposals implemented. Prof. Alexis Jay, who led the inquiry, urged action instead of further investigations. “We’ve had enough of inquiries, consultations, and discussions. People should just get on with it locally and nationally,” she said.
As the debate continues, Phillips remains steadfast in her commitment to addressing violence against women and girls while navigating the personal challenges posed by high-profile criticism and disinformation campaigns.
