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Minister at Center of Grooming Gangs Inquiry Row Threatened with Libel Lawsuit

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Fiona Goddard, one of the four women who quit the victims and survivors panel of the national grooming gangs inquiry citing concerns the Government was trying to widen the scope of the probe, has threatened to sue Home Office minister Jess Phillips for libel. The row escalated after Ms Phillips denied claims the Government was seeking to water down the inquiry, with Ms Goddard's solicitors labeling the minister's letter to the Commons Home Affairs Committee "defamatory" and accusing her of suggesting their client had been untruthful.

Key Takeaways:

  • Fiona Goddard, a former member of the victims and survivors panel, has threatened to sue Jess Phillips, the Home Office minister, for libel over comments made about the government's handling of the grooming gangs inquiry.
  • Ms Goddard's solicitors claim that Ms Phillips' letter to the Commons Home Affairs Committee was "defamatory" and accused her of suggesting their client had been untruthful.
  • The row escalated after Ms Phillips denied claims the Government was seeking to water down the inquiry, with Ms Goddard and other survivors accusing her of "abuse and smear" online.
  • A separate group of five survivors has come to Ms Phillips' defense, stating that they want her to remain in position for the duration of the process for consistency.
  • Sir Keir Starmer has expressed his faith in Ms Phillips, while other ministers have rallied around her in the face of the row.

Statistics:

  • 4 women, including Fiona Goddard, quit the victims and survivors panel of the national grooming gangs inquiry due to concerns about the Government's handling of the probe.
  • 1 Home Office minister, Jess Phillips, has been accused of defamation and libel in a letter from Ms Goddard's solicitors.
  • 5 survivors have come forward in support of Ms Phillips, stating that they want her to remain in position for the duration of the process.
  • 1 text message conversation has been cited as evidence of the dispute between Ms Goddard and Ms Phillips.

Sources:

  • Byline: Christopher McKeon
  • PA Wire
  • Switalskis (Ms Goddard's solicitors)

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