Bridget Phillipson accuses Tories and Reform of weaponizing violence against women

Labour Women and Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson has accused the Conservative Party and Reform UK of “weaponising” violence against women and girls for political point-scoring, specifically regarding immigration. Phillipson argued that right-leaning parties focus on safety only when it relates to immigration rather than addressing the broader issue of misogyny.

In response, Shadow Equalities Secretary Joy Morrissey invited Phillipson to the village of Piddington in Oxfordshire to meet with local women concerned about a nearby migrant camp and to meet victims of grooming gangs. Phillipson rejected the offer, maintaining that the opposition's approach lacks seriousness regarding the actual protection of women.

Fiona Goddard, a survivor of sexual abuse, criticized Phillipson’s rhetoric, stating that accusing political opponents of weaponization is “dangerous” and may lead victims to be dismissed if their experiences do not fit a specific political narrative. Goddard further alleged that left-wing parties were responsible for “covering up” issues such as the grooming gangs scandal.