Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds defended safeguarding minister Jess Phillips this morning after a rape gang victim who quit the inquiry panel called for her resignation. When asked if Phillips should resign, Reynolds told Times Radio:
“No, I believe that my colleague Jess Phillips brings huge experience to the role that she is doing, having worked with victims of rape and sexual abuse for many, many years, even before coming into Parliament. I really want to just reassure people that this is a huge priority for the Government.”
Yesterday Phillips insisted claims victims are being silenced were untrue, fuming in the Commons: “Misinformation undermines this process. Allegations of intentional delay, lack of interest and a widening or dilution of the inquiry’s scope are false.” Fiona Goddard, a victim who quit the inquiry panel slammed Phillips on X, saying last night:
“Jess Phillips should resign. Today she publicly called me a liar to the whole nation when she knew I wasn’t lying. I’m a grooming gang survivor who has been called a liar her whole life by public services and councils to try and cover up the horrendous abuse they let happen to me as a child. She has now just done the same as they did to me for years, all to save her own skin. How can she continue to be safeguarding minister for women and children?”
Last night a fourth survivor quit the inquiry panel. Reynolds added this morning that she was “sorry if [victims] felt let down by the process” – an apology Phillips refused to make yesterday. An inquiry that is already falling apart before its launch…
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