Sir Keir Starmer has finally responded to days of criticism from Elon Musk and the Conservatives over Britain's grooming gangs scandal.
Speaking to reporters today as he unveiled a new "relationship between the NHS and the private healthcare sector", Starmer laid into "the far-right playbook of whipping up intimidation and violence" after repeated questions on Musk's remarks.
The PM avoided mentioning the X owner by name - instead opting to swipe at the Tories for "tweeting and talking" rather than doing "anything about it" for their 14-year stint in Government.
As expected, Starmer defended his record as Director of Public Prosecutions - pointing to how, in Rochdale, he "brought the first major prosecution of an Asian grooming gang".
And though he said that "most people are more interested in the NHS than what's happening on Twitter", he laid into "lies and misinformation" online.
"Those that are spreading lies and misinformation as far and wide as possible are not interested in victims, they're interested in themselves," he said.
"Those cheerleading Tommy Robinson are not interested in justice... Tommy Robinson went to prison for nearly collapsing a grooming gang case."
Starmer also hit out at "those attacking Jess Phillips", who Starmer said he was "proud to call a colleague and friend".
MORE ON BRITAIN'S GROOMING GANGS SHAME:
"Jess Phillips has done a thousand times more than they've even dreamt about on protecting victims of sexual abuse throughout her entire career," the Prime Minister said.
When probed on Musk's call to imprison the Labour Safeguarding Minister, Starmer added: "When the poison of the far-right leads to serious threats, a line has been crossed."
And in a direct attack at the Conservatives, Starmer said: "This Government will get on with the job of protecting victims, including of child sexual abuse... What I won't tolerate is discussion and debate based on lies.
"What I won't tolerate is politicians jumping on the bandwagon to get attention," he added. "They sat in Government for 14 years, tweeting, talking, not doing anything about it."
The recent outcry over grooming gangs began when court transcripts showing the details of the crimes began circulating on Musk's social media platform X.
Then, days later, GB News revealed how Phillips had formally rejected repeated requests for a Home Office-led inquiry into historic child abuse in Oldham.
That got the attention of Liz Truss, then Elon Musk - who has since piled pressure on the Labour Government.
In response to the original GB News story, a Home Office spokesman said: "No child should ever suffer sexual abuse or exploitation. Everyone who is responsible for children's welfare must learn from past mistakes and do everything possible to prevent future failures."
Find Out More...
Speaking to reporters today as he unveiled a new "relationship between the NHS and the private healthcare sector", Starmer laid into "the far-right playbook of whipping up intimidation and violence" after repeated questions on Musk's remarks.
The PM avoided mentioning the X owner by name - instead opting to swipe at the Tories for "tweeting and talking" rather than doing "anything about it" for their 14-year stint in Government.
As expected, Starmer defended his record as Director of Public Prosecutions - pointing to how, in Rochdale, he "brought the first major prosecution of an Asian grooming gang".
And though he said that "most people are more interested in the NHS than what's happening on Twitter", he laid into "lies and misinformation" online.
"Those that are spreading lies and misinformation as far and wide as possible are not interested in victims, they're interested in themselves," he said.
"Those cheerleading Tommy Robinson are not interested in justice... Tommy Robinson went to prison for nearly collapsing a grooming gang case."
Starmer also hit out at "those attacking Jess Phillips", who Starmer said he was "proud to call a colleague and friend".
MORE ON BRITAIN'S GROOMING GANGS SHAME:
- Keir Starmer IGNORED Rotherham grooming gangs whistleblower as she battled bullying ordeal - 'He didn't even bother!'
- 'We need to know!' Farage calls for investigation into Starmer's role in grooming gangs scandal
- Grooming gang survivor forced to wait almost two years for trial
"Jess Phillips has done a thousand times more than they've even dreamt about on protecting victims of sexual abuse throughout her entire career," the Prime Minister said.
When probed on Musk's call to imprison the Labour Safeguarding Minister, Starmer added: "When the poison of the far-right leads to serious threats, a line has been crossed."
And in a direct attack at the Conservatives, Starmer said: "This Government will get on with the job of protecting victims, including of child sexual abuse... What I won't tolerate is discussion and debate based on lies.
"What I won't tolerate is politicians jumping on the bandwagon to get attention," he added. "They sat in Government for 14 years, tweeting, talking, not doing anything about it."
The recent outcry over grooming gangs began when court transcripts showing the details of the crimes began circulating on Musk's social media platform X.
Then, days later, GB News revealed how Phillips had formally rejected repeated requests for a Home Office-led inquiry into historic child abuse in Oldham.
That got the attention of Liz Truss, then Elon Musk - who has since piled pressure on the Labour Government.
In response to the original GB News story, a Home Office spokesman said: "No child should ever suffer sexual abuse or exploitation. Everyone who is responsible for children's welfare must learn from past mistakes and do everything possible to prevent future failures."
Find Out More...