Politics latest: Labour told to ‘hang their heads in shame’ over grooming gangs debate

Health minister Stephen Kinnock has said he would “gently” tell Elon Musk to consider the information he is spreading on social media in the wake of a burgeoning row over grooming gangs.

The billionaire business tycoon waded into the debate after Labour made clear it does not support the idea of a nationwide independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Oldham.

Mr Musk had labelled safeguarding minister Jess Phillips a “witch” and a “rape genocide apologist” – which Sir Keir Starmer said crossed a line.

Asked for his message to the billionaire, Mr Kinnock tells Sophy Ridge there is “nothing more serious and sickening” than child sexual abuse, and “the way in which the debate is conducted should reflect that”.

‘Nobody’s done more’

He said: “I think that what [Elon] Musk has said about Keir Starmer’s record, and Jess Phillips’ record, are just plainly wrong.

“There is nobody that has done more than Keir and Jess to address these issues. Keir has done so much to lock up, rapists, wife beaters, people guilty of sexual abuse.

“And Jess has done so much throughout her whole life and career and professional life and career to stand up for the victims and particularly on violence against women and girls. 

“I think I would gently say to Mr Musk that he really does need to look at the information that he’s putting out on social media and, and let’s deal with the facts. 

“And what is absolutely clear is that Keir Starmer and Jess Phillips have the strongest possible record on these issues.”

Asked whether the British government should still have an account on Mr Musk’s social media platform X, Mr Kinnock said Labour are “in politics to take people on”.