A Southampton MP has slammed "cynical" and "grotesque" misinformation over grooming gangs after a vote in Parliament online this week.

Darren Paffey says he's been contacted by many of his constituents about the vote, but said there was "a lot of misinformation" and released a statement to "set the record straight".

He said he was "disgusted by the Conservative Party's cynical amendment", which would have stopped the government's Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill from making any further progress.

Mr Paffey said: “Like everyone, I am horrified by the child sexual abuse and exploitation that took place and believe that perpetrators must be held to account for these most vile and horrific of crimes.

"The victims must come first, which is why this Government is determined to act, strengthening the law, taking forward recommendations from independent inquiries, and supporting stronger police action and protection for victims.”

The MP, elected to his seat last July, said a "detailed seven-year inquiry" has already taken place and recommendations have not been implemented.

"In fact [it] would mean victims would see further delays to action and justice for the abhorrent abuse that they suffered. 

"Secondly, the Conservatives deliberately worded the amendment so that, if voted through, the amendment have killed off a Bill which containing some of the biggest measures to protect children from exploitation and abuse in a generation.

"Notably, it would not have actually created an inquiry either."

The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill includes measures to protect vulnerable children such as tougher rules on home-schooling as well as changes to academies and private school regulation.

It was amended by the Conservatives calling for a new national inquiry into grooming gangs which, if approved, would have prevented the legislation from making progress.

The issue has become a political storm after X boss Elon Musk used his social media platform to launch a barrage of attacks on Sir Keir Starmer and safeguarding minister Jess Phillips.

In response to Labour’s opposition to calls for a national inquiry, Mr Musk called Sir Keir “Starmtrooper” and accused him of trying to cover up “terrible things”, and later said the rejection of the amendment was “unbelievable.”