Bridget Phillipson has warned that racism and sexism are becoming “normalised” in Britain, saying political rhetoric and social media are helping make increasingly extreme views more acceptable.
The Equalities Minister raised the concerns in an interview with The Guardian, focused on the tone of public debate and the influence of online content on young people. Attitudes that would once have been widely condemned, she said, are becoming more visible in mainstream politics and online spaces. She also named names, criticising Reform’s Robert Jenrick and Conservative MP Nick Timothy over comments she said had contributed to the problem. “There is a normalisation taking place,” she said on racism specifically, adding she was concerned about politicians using language she believes makes prejudice more acceptable.
Phillipson goes after specific political rhetoric
Phillipson criticised Jenrick, who’s made immigration and integration central to his political message since joining Reform, over remarks he’s made about Muslim communities, saying politicians should be aware of the impact their language can have. She also criticised Nick Timothy’s comments on Muslim prayer and demographic change in Birmingham. Political leaders, she said, have a responsibility to avoid language that could inflame tensions.
This lands during a period where immigration, integration and national identity have become increasingly central to British politics. Reform’s made those subjects the core of its campaigning, and the Conservatives have adopted a tougher tone on immigration since leaving government too. Labour’s own language on migration has tightened under Burnham, while the party argues tougher border policy shouldn’t come paired with rhetoric targeting minority communities.
Social media described as a ‘cesspit’
Phillipson also raised concerns about misogynistic content online, describing parts of social media as a “cesspit” and saying young men are being exposed to increasingly extreme material about women. The government’s considering tougher restrictions on children’s social media use, including a possible ban for under-16s. Phillipson said parents are struggling to control what their kids see online and argued social media companies need to take far greater responsibility, warning harmful content can shape attitudes towards women and girls well beyond the online world itself. Schools and police forces have raised similar concerns in recent years about misogynistic material spreading among boys and young men, and the government has said tackling violence against women and girls remains a priority.
Government weighs tighter social media rules
Phillipson said she backs stronger protections for children using social media, with ministers currently examining whether further age restrictions should be introduced. The debate’s intensified alongside growing concern over social platforms’ impact on children’s mental health and exposure to violent and extremist content. Supporters of tighter restrictions argue platforms are designed to keep children online for long periods and push users toward increasingly extreme material. Critics of an outright ban question how it would actually be enforced and whether children would just find workarounds. No final decision’s been announced yet.
Phillipson faces criticism of her own
Not everyone’s convinced by the intervention. Trans rights groups have previously accused Phillipson of contributing to hostile political rhetoric through her own statements and government policy, arguing ministers should apply the same standards across all minority groups. Phillipson’s defended her record, saying the government’s committed to equality while addressing concerns around sex and gender policy. Her latest comments, though, were focused specifically on racism, misogyny and the language used by mainstream politicians.
Labour and Reform keep clashing over immigration
This lands as Labour and Reform remain locked in a wider argument over immigration and integration. Reform’s accused Labour of failing to control migration and being unwilling to speak openly about problems within some communities. Labour’s responded by accusing Reform figures of using language that risks dividing communities. Burnham’s government has taken a tougher stance on borders than Labour did under Starmer, while trying to draw a clear line between immigration enforcement and rhetoric aimed at minority groups. That argument’s likely to stay central to British politics over the coming months, and Phillipson’s intervention adds another layer to it by putting the actual language politicians use under scrutiny.
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