Home Office Minister Jess Phillips has had her security enhanced after facing a furious social media attack from Elon Musk over the government’s decision to reject a national inquiry into the grooming gangs scandal. The Labour MP, who previously admitted to fearing for her safety due to online abuse, is now being advised not to go out in public alone and has been assigned close protection officers.
The criticism from Musk came after Phillips spoke out against the government’s handling of the scandal, which includes attacking Sir Keir Starmer for his role as director of public prosecutions. The Labour leader defended Phillips, saying those spreading intimidation and threats on social media have crossed a line.
Phillips had previously stated that “nothing is off the table” when dealing with the grooming gangs scandal, but Starmer pointed out that recommendations from a seven-year investigation into the issue have yet to be implemented. A new national inquiry, backed by some Tories, could delay progress on addressing the problem.
The Met Police declined to comment on the matter. Earlier this week, it emerged that a man had been charged with sending malicious communications to Phillips just days after Musk’s criticism.
Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/jess-phillips-elon-musk-x-b2675825.html