Tories accused of 'bandwagon jumping' during angry exchanges over child rape

Cabinet ministers have ramped up attacks on Conservative "bandwagon jumping" over child rape gangs during furious exchanges in the Commons in which the government easily saw off a Tory attempt to force a new inquiry on the issue.

- Jessica Elgot Peter Walker Pippa Crerar

Amid continued pressure, No 10 appeared to slightly soften its position on the idea of a second inquiry into so-called grooming gangs, echoing the words of the safeguarding minister, Jess Phillips, in saying Keir Starmer was open to hearing the views of victims.

But multiple Labour MPs lambasted the Tories for their attempt to table an amendment to the child wellbeing and schools bill that would have forced a national inquiry, but blocked the bill at the same time.

After a sometimes bitter debate, the amendment was defeated by 364 votes to 111, a majority of 253.

However, Labour MPs told the Guardian that they feared being subject to threats because of Tory attack ads which said they had blocked an inquiry into grooming gangs by voting against their amendment.

Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary, called the Conservative amendment "shameful", arguing it would have stopped vital child protection measures in the bill.