Over the last few weeks we have seen the sobering consequences of Far-Right narratives stirring up division. Comments from Elon Musk have targeted the UK Government, attempting to delegitimise it, spreading misinformation and disinformation to millions of followers, and increasing the abuse of public figures for clout.
His posts over the last week have promoted extremism and misinformation about historical child abuse. This incredibly serious issue has become the basis for spreading lies and abuse by the Far-Right and does nothing to help victims of these horrific crimes.
I have now received many messages from constituents, who are rightfully deeply concerned about the foreign interference that we have seen in recent weeks in British politics.
We have seen misinformation and active disinformation being spread around about the Government, attempts to undermine democracy, and threats and abuse being sent to myself and my colleagues, some to the extent of threatening their safety.
The hatred and division have distracted from the serious issue of prioritising victims of grooming gangs and supporting survivors. I am glad that the Government intends to act on the recommendations published in the extensive independent report conducted by Alexis Jay into Child Sexual Abuse. These long-needed reforms, as outlined in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill will tackle child sexual abuse head on by:
- all councils will be required to hold a register of children who are not in school. Councils will be able to require parents and providers of out of school education to share information like name, address and the nature of the education children are being provided
- a unique number for every child – in the same way every adult has their own national insurance number – to join up systems and make sure no child falls through the cracks. A consistent identifier will allow those responsible for the safeguarding and welfare of children to better join relevant data and identify children who will benefit from additional support
- the removal of the automatic right for parents to educate children at home if their child is subject to a child protection investigation or under a child protection plan. Schools will need to check with the local authority where a parent asks to remove a child from school to home educate, to establish whether the local authority’s consent should be obtained
- if any child’s home environment is assessed as unsuitable or unsafe, local authorities will have the power to intervene and require school attendance
- making sure every council operates best practice ‘multi-agency’ safeguarding panels, that bring together all the professionals that can best make sure children are kept safe both inside and outside the home
There are also several other measures in the bill, including capping the number of branded items schools can require for the school uniform, and offering all primary school children the option to attend a breakfast club.
It has been disheartening to see Members of Parliament from the Conservative and Reform parties jumping on the bandwagon and using this incredibly sensitive issue for an opportunity to score political points. They have given this misinformation a platform and voted against a bill which clearly will help vulnerable children.
I was shocked to hear the Leader of the Opposition, Kemi Badenoch, claim that the definition of Islamophobia, as agreed by the APPG for British Muslims, said “talking about sex groomers was an example of Islamophobia” in Prime Minister’s Questions yesterday. This is categorically untrue. The definition does not impede free speech or stop us from holding criminals to account.
I am proud to have contributed to the work of the APPG to form a working definition of Islamophobia, that impacts so many across the country. Hearing the Tory Leader completely misrepresent that work is misleading, and distracts from urgent conversations on grooming, exploitation and protecting vulnerable people in our society. Read my full statement on this weaponisation of Islamophobia HERE.
I am pleased that the Government has committed to tackling those who spread views that promote violence and hatred against individuals and communities and is working with law enforcement to respond to threats. We must ensure that this remains a priority, and I intend to keep holding the Government to account on this issue.
I have written to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to raise these worries related to foreign interference in British politics and the importance of promoting community cohesion by tackling far right extremism. You can see my letter below.
I have been committed to tackling far right extremism for over two decades, and I remain committed to improving community cohesion and holding those who spread lies and violent rhetoric to account. We need focus, resources, and unity to protect victims—not divisive rhetoric that perpetuates harmful stereotypes.
