Jess Phillips

[GreenlandTheMovie]

I've never been a Labour supporter, so I've viewed Jess Phillips MP in tv debates a few times from a neutral perspective, in fact, probably even somewhat biased against her as representing Labour. Yet I've been consistently impressed. She is passionate, principled, well informed and comes across well. I also saw her interviewed on the night of the last General Election, and she came across as almost a solitary voice of sanity and balanced perspective amongst the panic and blaming others than seemed to characterise Labour at the time.

Yes, she makes mistakes, but she seems to have so much more potential than people like Jeremy Corbyn and even Keir Starmer, who come across as quite happy to remain in Opposition but not really wanting the responsibility and inconvenience of actually running the country.

Is there something I am missing that explains why Labour isn't making more use of Jess Phillips?

[GreenlandTheMovie]

@tellmetologoffIamaMNaddict

I am amazed at the low expectations people have of their politicians. It is OK for them to not respond to constituents if it might jeapordise their career provided they put out the odd vaguely worded conciliatory tweet.

But thats the situation for most women in the UK now. We cannot say what we want on TWAW or even discuss the issue online other than anonymously if we want to keep our jobs.

[CuriousaboutSamphire]

@Wearywithteens

If she’s not eloquent or brave enough to voice the argument for sex based protections - when actually the silent majority agree and it would be an overwhelming vote winner - she isn’t fit to lead or to represent me as a woman.

Shame that a bright, working class woman with real pedigree and potential has sold out at the first woke hurdle. It shows she’s weak and easily manipulated.

I'm in the same position, work wise. I am not as brave as Doc Stock and others.

I am an educated working class woman, self employed and pissed off with myself for being no braver in public, where it could easily affect my work.

Are you in any better position to 'cast the first stone' ?

[tellmetologoffIamaMNaddict]

The worst that could happen in the short term is suspension from the Labour Party. She would still be an MP and still be paid until the next election at least. I see your point but don't think the situations are comparable because her employers are actually her constituents and this issue is in her job spec.

[AnyFucker]

I am an educated, articulate, GC woman in a senior professional role

I am not able to speak out safely. What would you have me do ?

[porridgecake]

Lisa Nandy. Who stated clearly and unequivocally that she supports locking up convicted rapists with vulnerable women. OK.

[CateTown]

Are you in any better position to 'cast the first stone'

I'd be in the perfect position if I were an MP.

And it's not about 'casting the first stone' (i.e being judgemental and hypocritical) it's about stating undeniable biological facts. Not opinions or feelings - facts.

[CuriousaboutSamphire]

Ah! If can only dream of being so unfettered!

[CateTown]

@AnyFucker

I am an educated, articulate, GC woman in a senior professional role

I am not able to speak out safely. What would you have me do ?

You're not an MP, AnyFucker

Though many educated, articulate, GC women have had the courage to speak out

[tellmetologoffIamaMNaddict]

@CuriousaboutSamphire

Ah! If can only dream of being so unfettered!

When our politicians take a stand maybe you can be!

[AnyFucker]

You're not an MP, AnyFucker

No, you’re right. But I would lose my job and so would she.

[tellmetologoffIamaMNaddict]

@AnyFucker

You're not an MP, AnyFucker

No, you’re right. But I would lose my job and so would she.

But if she did her job then maybe we could start to do something about this environment of fear? She is in a much better position to make a difference than you

[AnyFucker]

She would lose her position. And then we would lose what she can do, currently.

[NutellaEllaElla]

Jesus, we can't even speak openly and honestly about GC FACTS on this anonymous board! You know full well women have been hounded out of their jobs, been doxxed and SWATTED, rape threats etc etc. This all or nothing perspective of yours is unproductive and unrealistic in the real world. Even on MN.

[tellmetologoffIamaMNaddict]

@AnyFucker

She would lose her position. And then we would lose what she can do, currently.

She would stiil be an MP. Maybe not a shadow minister but I imagine she would stay on the committee. And I am not even convinced Starmer would sack her anyway.

[NutellaEllaElla]

Women can't do anything right can they.

[tellmetologoffIamaMNaddict]

So how do we effect change if we are expecting too much of parliament? Or do we just accept the status quo?

[lifeturnsonadime]

Interesting things are happening in the Green Party which Labour may be taking note of.

Having categorically stated that TWAW at its conference last week there have been some resignations and an entire branch of the party has gone on strike on the basis that the party has been hijacked by a single issue.

It is disappointing that Jess won't speak out on this issue given the work that she does, but it is also understandable. I don't think that politicians particularly want to get drawn into it. For every constituent who is writing to Jess Philips asking her to confirm he views you can bet that there will be more writing in favour of TWAW.

It's a political hot potato.

Until the likes of Stonewall are less revered, which one would hope would be the case given the negative recent court cases, there is no chance of any favourable changes.

[NutellaEllaElla]

We've got to get women in power first and keep them there.

[porridgecake]

How can politicians NOT get drawn into it when they are debating and voting on legislation that is directly related to it?

[CuriousaboutSamphire]

Even knowing the Party line and what has gone before?

[CateTown]

No, you’re right. But I would lose my job and so would she

How would she lose her job as an MP?

[minipie]

@AnyFucker

She would lose her position. And then we would lose what she can do, currently.

I’m with AnyFucker on this.

If you can find a politician who has the plus points of JP but also has an openly GC position then by all means tell us so we can support them. I can’t find one.

If you are only going to support “perfect” politicians you’ll be waiting a long time.

[Thelnebriati]

Jess Phillips is the Shadow Minister for Domestic Violence and Safeguarding. I'd rather have her than Lisa Nandy in the position.

I imagine a lot of women are hanging on and keeping their heads down, partly to keep their job, but perhaps also so they still have some influence in the future, however things turn out.
I think the current fad for Self ID is going to end badly. I'd prefer there to be some level headed people around when that happens.

[porridgecake]

@Thelnebriati

Jess Phillips is the Shadow Minister for Domestic Violence and Safeguarding. I'd rather have her than Lisa Nandy in the position.

I imagine a lot of women are hanging on and keeping their heads down, partly to keep their job, but perhaps also so they still have some influence in the future, however things turn out.
I think the current fad for Self ID is going to end badly. I'd prefer there to be some level headed people around when that happens.

I am sure it will end very badly, but we have already seen women and children raped and assaulted in places where they should have been safe. What is it going to take I wonder?