Labour MPs erupted in shouts of “shame” during a heated House of Commons debate today as Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp addressed the grooming gangs scandal.
The dramatic scenes unfolded as Philp slammed the Prime Minister’s earlier comments on the issue, declaring that “it is not far right to stand up for victims of mass rape”.
His remarks were met with fierce opposition from the Labour benches, with MPs booing and heckling during his speech.
Speaking at a press conference earlier today, Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned those “spreading lies and misinformation” and accused Conservative MPs of “amplifying what the far-right is saying” on child sexual abuse.
Chris Philp blasted the Prime Ministers comments
GB News/House of Commons
In his Commons speech, Philp addressed the historical scale of the scandal, stating that “thousands and maybe tens of thousands of vulnerable young girls were systematically raped by organized gangs of men, predominantly of Pakistani heritage”.
He criticised past institutional failures, noting that “many cases were covered up because of absurd concerns about so-called community relations”.
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He said: “The whole country is shocked by the rape gang scandal. Over years or decades, thousands and maybe tens of thousands of vulnerable young girls were systematically raped by organized gangs of men, predominantly of Pakistani heritage.
“Instead of those victims being protected and the perpetrators prosecuted, those girls were systematically failed. Many cases were covered up because of absurd concerns about so-called community relations.
“Police often did not investigate. Local councils covered things up. The Crown Prosecution Service frequently failed victims, and those raising concerns were frequently accused of racism. Never again can people be silenced in that way.
He added: “Let me just say a word on the Prime Minister’s comments this morning. It is not far right to stand up for victims of mass rape.”
Yvette Cooper made a statement in the House of Commons
GB News/ House of Commons
The Shadow Home Secretary was met with heckling and loud anger from members of the Labour Party before he added “smearing people who raise those issues is exactly how this ended up getting covered up in the first place”.
Speaking in the Commons before Philp, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasised that “there is no excuse for anyone not to take these crimes seriously”.
She stressed that perpetrators must be “punished and pursued” while ensuring victims and survivors receive protection and support. The new legislation will also mean longer sentences for gang members who may not have directly groomed children themselves.
Officials explained this would address cases where offenders sexually assaulted victims previously groomed by other gang members.
Keir Starmer spoke at a press conference today
PA
The Home Office confirmed that anyone working with children who fails to report sexual abuse will face prosecution under the new laws.
Those in regulated activities involving children will be legally required to report abuse to the police.
Professionals found to have actively prevented reporting or covered up crimes will face up to seven years in jail.
The mandatory reporting requirements will apply to teachers, social care workers, NHS staff and all others responsible for childcare in their jobs.
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