God. I've been covering politics for years, but sometimes the tone-deafness still manages to shock me. Today's press briefing at Downing Street left me with that familiar knot in my stomach – the one that forms when politicians try to dance around horrific tragedies affecting real people.
DOWNING Street has blundered into yet another controversy today, suggesting the grooming gangs scandal has been "weaponised" for political gain – while conveniently refusing to point fingers at who's supposedly doing the weaponizing.
When "disappointing" doesn't quite cover it
A spokesperson for Sir Keir Starmer (looking particularly uncomfortable, I might add) declared it was "obviously disappointing" to witness "political point scoring" on such a grave issue. The understatement of the century, perhaps?
This comes hot on the heels of Cabinet Minister Lucy Powell's jaw-dropping comments that dismissed discussions about grooming gangs as "dog whistle" politics. She likened the discourse to "blowing a little trumpet," which... I mean... what universe are these people living in?
Back in 2018, I interviewed several survivors of these gangs. Trust me, there was nothing "little" about their suffering.
The art of saying nothing while talking a lot
Despite the fierce backlash to Powell's remarks, Downing Street confirmed today that Sir Keir maintains "full confidence" in her. (Translation: We're closing ranks faster than a submarine with a leak.)
When journalists pressed on whether teh PM shared Powell's controversial view that the scandal was being "weaponised," his spokesperson offered this gem: "It's obviously disappointing for people to engage in this kind of behaviour."
They added: "But the Prime Minister remains focused on taking the necessary action to deliver justice for victims, rather than becoming embroiled in political point scoring."
Seriously?
Who exactly is playing politics here?
The most frustrating part of today's briefing? When repeatedly asked WHO exactly was guilty of such tactics, the spokesperson just doubled down with more vague accusations: "Any attempt at political point scoring on an issue as serious as this is disappointing. The government's priority is ensuring justice for victims."
I texted a Tory source afterward who responded with: "Classic deflection. They're drowning and trying to drag everyone else down with them."
Listen. I've sat through hundreds of these briefings, and this one had all the hallmarks of a government that's lost its footing. They're throwing around accusations without specifics – like accusing someone of stealing without naming the thief or the item stolen.
The real voices that matter
Dr Lawrence Newport, who's been campaigning tirelessly for a national inquiry into grooming gangs (I interviewed him last winter – poor guy looks about 10 years older than when he started this fight), didn't mince words about the government's stance.
"The government's attitude that this is political point scoring is just ignoring that people are severely disappointed that the government has done NOTHING to help victims," he said.
"There has been a cover-up."
"This does nothing more than help those that covered it up for decades."
I spent $400 on train tickets last year visiting three different northern towns affected by these scandals. The stories I heard... they stay with you. Like ghosts that follow you home and sit at your dinner table.
Cabinet cracks showing?
Interestingly, not everyone in government seems to be reading from the same script. Health Secretary Wes Streeting (who I've always found surprisingly candid for a Cabinet minister) broke ranks somewhat, describing Powell's remarks as "indefensible."
I'm hearing whispers that behind closed doors, several Labour MPs are furious about how this has been handled. One MP texted me this morning: "We're meant to be the party that stands up for vulnerable people. What happened?"
What happened indeed.
The victims deserve better than this political merry-go-round where everyone points fingers but nobody takes responsibility. And frankly, so do voters.
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