Bridget Phillipson Criticizes Tory Child Safety Bill Amendments

Bridget Phillipson, the UK Education Secretary, has condemned the Conservative Party's attempt to obstruct the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which aims to enhance child safeguarding, calling it 'absolutely sickening'. The Conservatives propose an amendment for a national inquiry into historical child sexual exploitation, which Phillipson argues would derail vital protections for vulnerable children. She emphasizes that the bill is the most significant safeguarding legislation in a generation and criticizes the Tories for prioritizing political maneuvering over child safety. The current government supports implementing recommendations from an independent inquiry led by Professor Alexis Jay, rather than initiating a new investigation. Phillipson urged the Conservatives to reconsider their position as their actions threaten the safety of children they claim to care about. The Conservative amendment is unlikely to gain majority support in the Commons.