Grooming Gangs Survivors Demand Labour Minister Jess Phillips Resign Amid Inquiry Turmoil

Four survivors who resigned from the UK's national grooming gangs inquiry have demanded the resignation of Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips before they will reengage with the probe, accusing her of dismissing their criticisms and calling some of their claims untrue. They argue that Phillips is unfit to oversee the inquiry due to her handling of their concerns, especially regarding fears that the inquiry's scope might be broadened beyond grooming gangs to wider sexual abuse, which they believe dilutes the focus on group-based child sexual exploitation. The survivors have laid out conditions for their return, including Phillips's resignation, genuine consultation on the appointment of a chair for the inquiry, freedom for victims to speak openly with support networks, and maintaining a sharp focus on grooming gangs. Children’s Minister Josh MacAlister has publicly defended Phillips, stating she has the backing of the Prime Minister and Home Secretary and is engaging properly with survivors despite the controversy. The Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has expressed confidence in Phillips and promised that the inquiry's scope will not be watered down. The situation remains tense as trust issues persist among survivors and the inquiry struggles to find leadership acceptable to all parties involved.