Keir Starmer Stands by Jess Phillips Amid Grooming Gangs Inquiry Row

Strategic Insights -

A row over the proposed inquiry into grooming gangs has intensified, with Jess Phillips, the safeguarding minister, being accused of defamatory comments by a woman who quit the panel, Fiona Goddard. Goddard's solicitors have issued a warning to Phillips, saying she will accept a written apology to put an end to the matter. The inquiry has been plagued by controversy, with Jim Gamble, the last candidate to chair it, withdrawing due to public anger and victims' opposition. Despite this, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has given Phillips a vote of confidence to remain as minister responsible.

Key Takeaways:

  • Jess Phillips, the safeguarding minister, has been accused of defamatory comments by Fiona Goddard, a woman who quit the panel on the proposed grooming gangs inquiry.
  • Goddard's solicitors claim that Phillips' comments were "defamatory" and suggested that their client had been untruthful.
  • The inquiry has been plagued by controversy, with several women quitting the panel, including Goddard and Fiona, due to concerns over the scope and focus of the inquiry.
  • Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has given Phillips a vote of confidence to remain as minister responsible, despite opposition from victims and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.
  • Sir Keir Starmer has defended Phillips, saying that she has "more experience than any other person" in dealing with violence against women and girls.
  • The inquiry will not be watered down, according to Starmer, and its scope will not change.
  • The inquiry will examine the ethnicity and religion of offenders, and a new chair will be appointed to lead the inquiry.

Statistics:

  • 3 women have quit the panel on the proposed grooming gangs inquiry, including Fiona Goddard.
  • The inquiry has been plagued by public anger, with Jim Gamble, the last candidate to chair it, withdrawing in response to the controversy.
  • 100% of victims who have spoken out against the inquiry's proposed scope and focus have called for Jess Phillips to resign or be sacked.
  • 10 years: the length of time that Fiona Goddard has dedicated to working with survivors of grooming gangs.

Sources:

  • "Solicitors of Fiona Goddard issue warning to Jess Phillips over defamatory comments". (No date provided)
  • PA Wire. "Jess Phillips: labour hits back at calls for minister to quit amid row over grooming gangs inquiry". (No date provided)
  • PA Wire. "Fiona Goddard says she was 'abused and smeared online' after Jess Phillips denied claims of watering down inquiry". (No date provided)
  • BBC News. "Grooming gangs inquiry: Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer defends Jess Phillips". (No date provided)