Sir Keir Starmer is expected to defend his record on grooming gangs today in an attempt to quell a bitter row with tech magnate Elon Musk.
Musk has been directing insults in Starmer and Labour’s direction since New Year’s Day after GB News revealed that Jess Phillips had failed to reply to repeated requests for a Public Inquiry into the abuse – and just yesterday he labelled the PM a “national embarrassment” as he called for him to step down.
But with Starmer’s tenure in Downing Street having crossed the six-month mark, it is understood that he will publicly defend his record of prosecuting child abusers as DPP in a speech today.
The Prime Minister is also set to defend the Labour Government’s determination to crack down on grooming gangs, as well as keeping political debate in the realms of verifiable fact.
Also in the speech, Starmer will attempt to “reset” his premiership and switch focus to the NHS by promising patients millions more appointments closer to home in a bid to cut down on waiting lists.
Writing in The Times on Monday, he said that the NHS “exhibits all the symptoms of chronic illness” and needs “radical changes” to improve.
Meanwhile, Wes Streeting – the first Labour Minister to directly address Musk’s comments – has warned that the NHS could “go the way of Woolies” unless it is brought “into the 21st century” through reform.
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Labour ‘working at pace’ to implement Jay Report’s recommendations amid grooming gangs row
Labour has vowed it is “working at pace” to implement the recommendations of the Jay Report – the Public Inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Rotherham – as the fallout over grooming gangs continues to grow.
A Government spokesman said this morning: “No child should ever suffer sexual abuse or exploitation and it is paramount we do more to protect vulnerable children – which is why we are working at pace across government to drive forward real action to implement the recommendations of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.
“Professor Alexis Jay worked for seven years on a comprehensive independent inquiry and continues to work with survivors of these heinous crimes.
“This Government is committed to working closely with survivors and expert groups like Act on IICSA.”
‘They’re coming to us!’ Inside Reform UK’s defection deluge as Farage’s charm secures Tory bigwigs
Reform UK leader Nigel FarageGETTY
Reform UK is securing major defections without actively seeking out disgruntled ex-Tories, senior figures from the populist party have told GB News.
Nigel Farage is instead attracting Conservative bigwigs due to his pre-existing relationships with veteran Brexiteers.
Former Dudley MP Marco Longhi became the latest ex-Tory to jump ship, joining Dame Andrea Jenkyns and Aidan Burley in the populist party’s ranks.
But now, Reform UK chairman Zia Yusuf has revealed that the series of defections came without any outreach from the populist party.
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