Elon Musk's online attacks on UK Home Office Minister Jess Phillips have reportedly prompted increased security for the politician, and prompted warnings about the online environment.
Phillips, a vocal critic of the government's handling of the grooming gangs scandal, has admitted to fearing for her safety after receiving a barrage of online abuse. She highlighted the potential for serious consequences from the large-scale nature of Musk's online attacks.
Following Musk's scathing social media posts, Phillips has reportedly been assigned close protection officers and advised against venturing out alone. This escalation of threats comes as the government continues to reject calls for a national inquiry into the grooming gangs scandal.
Musk's criticism encompasses broader political figures, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He has publicly accused the government of inaction and has branded Phillips as a "rape genocide apologist" deserving of imprisonment.
Starmer, in response, condemned the "lies and misinformation" spread online, emphasizing that such attacks jeopardize victims and cross a line. He highlighted that those spreading such content are not truly interested in the victims, but instead use the situation to promote their own agenda.
While the government maintains its stance against a national inquiry, Phillips stated that alternative solutions remain possible. She stressed the importance of listening to victims and considering all options. The current political climate around the issue, and the potential for further escalation of threats, is evident in the wider discussion on whether to support a national inquiry.
Ultimately, the controversy underscores the potent impact of social media in shaping political discourse and the potential for online harassment and intimidation to affect public figures. The debate continues to center on whether the current approach to addressing the grooming gangs issue is sufficient.
