Jess Phillips, the MP for Birmingham Yardley and the current Safeguarding minister has come under fire from political opponents and members of the public after she made a controversial post on social media appearing to justify ‘masked thugs’.
The situation first began on Monday evening when hundreds of masked individuals descended upon Birmingham and even interrupted a live Sky News broadcast with the message “Free Palestine and F**k the EDL.”
Sharing the footage online, Richard Tice MP, the deputy leader of Reform UK wrote: “Starmer & Labour no doubt think these pro Gaza masked folk are far right too? ….All violence, rioting and assault is totally unacceptable . Two tier policing must stop”
In response to the post, Jess decided to add further context and clarity to the reason behind the gathering, and commented: “These people came to this location because it has been spread that racists were coming to attack them. This misinformation was spread entirely to create this content. Don’t spread it MR Tice!”
However, instead of allaying fears it only appeared to stoke further conflict, with many of Ms.Phillips’ political opponents taking issue with her comments, and accusing her of condoning the intimidating behaviour seen in the city.
One person who took issue with the tweet was former Prime Minister Liz Truss, who argued: “Astonishing a Home Office Minister is excusing masked thugs. She must retract this statement and the Prime Minister must urgently commit to protect the safety and freedom of everyone in our country.”
Several members of the public were also quick to agree with many attacking Ms.Phillips and even calling for her to resign.
One person wrote: “How can you stay on as a Home Office Minister after making this absolutely shocking statement.
“You should resign if you have an ounce of the dignity and morality that you so often pointed out that your prior Conservative opponents lacked.
A second member of the public added: “So, are you saying that if you are threatened or misinformation has been spread it justifies coming out with weapons looking to beat people up? People with swords, machetes, baseball bats? Making gun trigger signs? Are you going to afford those excuses to all groups of people?”
Meanwhile a third person said “This is insanity the world is watching unfold in your once great country. For the love of God all you politicians think of your country first and FIX THIS.”
Leaving a fourth to echo: “Not sure I’ve ever seen such an absurd tweet tbh. Just condemn it all. Everybody. Just like in your campaign, call them out and identify them. What are you scared of or protecting?”
