Libel Threats and Inquiry Row: Minister Under Fire Amid Grooming Gangs Investigation

Strategic Insights -

A long-standing advisor to the inquiry on child sex abuse, Fiona Goddard, has threatened to sue Jess Phillips, Minister for Safeguarding, for libel over a claim the government intended to water down the scope of the investigation. This comes as Ms Goddard and three other women quit the inquiry's victims and survivors panel, citing concerns that the government is trying to widen the focus of the probe. The minister has denied allegations, stating the claims are "untrue." Solicitors for Ms Goddard stated that the suggestion of watering down the inquiry was "patently not untrue" and that Ms Phillips' letter contained "defamatory" accusations. The solicitors referenced a text conversation in which Ms Goddard raised concerns about an agenda item that proposed a broader approach than a focus on "grooming gangs." Ms Goddard stated that she was "abused and smeared online" following Ms Phillips' statement.

Key Takeaways:

  • Fiona Goddard and three other women quit the inquiry's victims and survivors panel, citing concerns that the government is trying to widen the scope of the probe.
  • Jess Phillips, Minister for Safeguarding, has been accused of denying the government's intentions to dilute the focus of the inquiry, claiming claims of watering down the scope are "untrue."
  • Solicitors for Ms Goddard argued that Ms Phillips' letter was "defamatory," suggesting that Ms Goddard had been untruthful.
  • A text message conversation between Ms Goddard and Ms Phillips revealed concerns about an agenda item proposing a broader approach than a focus on "grooming gangs."
  • Ms Goddard has threatened to sue Ms Phillips for libel and is demanding a written apology.
  • A group of five survivors has spoken out in support of Ms Phillips, noting that she has remained impartial and urging her to stay in position for consistency.

Statistics:

  • 4 women, including Fiona Goddard, have quit the inquiry's victims and survivors panel.
  • The inquiry has seen two candidates withdraw from contention.
  • A separate group of 5 survivors has expressed support for Minister Jess Phillips.

Sources:

  • PA Wire (caption)
  • No specific publication dates were mentioned in the original text.