Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has dismissed suggestions that Elon Musk's social media posts forced the Government into action on grooming gangs. Speaking to Sky News, she said: 'I utterly refute that.'
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced on Thursday a rapid audit into the scale of gang-based exploitation across England, alongside local reviews in five areas including Oldham. The move followed weeks of pressure from the X owner, who had criticised safeguarding minister Jess Phillips.
Ms Nandy told BBC Breakfast: 'We're not a Government that governs by social media. We govern for the real world.' She added that victims had been warning repeatedly about systems failing young women.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, asked about Mr Musk's views, told The Sun: 'Ignore the noises off. I've had noises off for 10 years. Learn to focus and shut off the noises.'
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp described the Government's plans as 'wholly inadequate', claiming up to 50 towns could be affected, while only five local inquiries were supported.
