Jess Phillips is the Safeguarding Minister. Her job, literally, is to protect vulnerable people from exploitation and abuse.

She has said nothing about Peter Mandelson's links to Jeffrey Epstein.

Not a word. Not a statement. Not even a "no comment." Just silence.

Three Conservative MPs — Mims Davies, Alicia Kearns, and Katie Lam — have now written to Phillips demanding answers. Their letter, reported by the Daily Mail, raises concerns about what they call a "pattern of behaviour at the top of Government" that refuses to acknowledge Starmer's appointment of Mandelson.

Mandelson, who visited Epstein's properties and whose connections to the convicted sex offender have been extensively documented, was appointed by Starmer despite the obvious questions it raised.

Phillips, who built her political career on championing victims of abuse, has chosen silence. The woman who once staged a Commons sit-in to highlight domestic violence can't find a single word to say about a man with Epstein connections sitting at the top table of her own government.

The Conservative MPs want to know: does Phillips believe Mandelson's appointment is compatible with the government's safeguarding obligations? Has she raised concerns privately? If so, what was the response?

Don't hold your breath for answers.

This government has decided that Mandelson's connections don't matter. That his usefulness outweighs the questions. That silence is an acceptable response to legitimate concerns about child safeguarding.

Jess Phillips knows better. Or she used to.