Labour accused of using Jimmy Savile’s name to ‘bait’ Nigel Farage

Lawyer for abuse survivors criticises ministers for using late TV presenter’s ‘toxic’ name for political point scoring

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Labour’s use of Jimmy Savile’s “toxic” name appeared to be an attempt to “deliberately bait” Nigel Farage and would distress survivors of child sexual abuse, lawyers for victims of the late TV presenter has said.

Alan Collins, the head of the abuse team at Hugh James solicitors, said it was “concerning” to see Jess Phillips, the safeguarding minister, and others use Savile’s name to try to “score points over political opponents”.