Kemi Badenoch has accused Sir Keir Starmer of concealing information regarding the grooming gangs inquiry and has called for the sacking of safeguarding minister Jess Phillips. The clash unfolded during a heated session of Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs), where Badenoch asserted that ministers were engaged in a “briefing war against survivors,” reports BritPanorama.
This confrontation occurred following the resignation of four women from the Home Office victims’ panel, who protested against what they perceive as an effort by officials to dilute the inquiry and minimize the racial and religious elements of their abuse.
Fiona Goddard, one of the resigning members, criticized Phillips for publicly dismissing survivors’ concerns about the potential expansion of the inquiry to encompass broader child sexual abuse issues. Goddard subsequently presented official documentation indicating that participants were solicited about the possibility of a “broader approach” to the inquiry.
During PMQs, Badenoch stated, “Four victims on the rape gang survivors’ panel have resigned and they resigned because they’ve lost all confidence in the Government’s inquiry. So I’m giving my first question to one of them – to Fiona.” Badenoch related Goddard’s feelings of being dismissed, echoing the survivor’s sentiments on how being contradicted by a minister reignites feelings of disbelief.
Prime Minister Starmer responded by assuring that the inquiry “is not and will never be watered down,” stressing its commitment to thoroughly investigate the ethnicity and religion of offenders. He extended an invitation for the resigning victims to return, ensuring that their concerns would be addressed.
In her retort, Badenoch accused Starmer of attempting to “downplay the racial and religious motivations” behind the abuse, reinforcing the survivors’ claims of a cover-up. She pressed whether Phillips still had the Prime Minister’s confidence, highlighting the lost trust of the victims.
Starmer acknowledged the varied opinions of survivors, contending that Phillips possesses unparalleled experience in addressing violence against women and girls, and he expressed confidence in her ability to lead the inquiry alongside Louise Casey, both noted advocates for victims of sexual exploitation.
This confrontation follows turmoil within the inquiry’s structure, marked by the withdrawal of potential chair Annie Hudson and the resignation of three additional survivors, including Rotherham victim “Elizabeth,” who cited the creation of a “toxic environment.”
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood responded to the allegations, asserting that the inquiry “will not be watered down on my watch” and will maintain a stringent focus on grooming gangs, specifically investigating the ethnicity and religion of offenders.
