The murder of Ann Widdecombe, former MP and Reform Spokesperson, has shocked the nation. While the full circumstances and motivations behind this targeted attack are not yet known, it is a profound tragedy for her loved ones and those close to her, and it has also reopened the debate about how we can adequately protect those in public life.
While there have been many important improvements in the last 10 years to the security and other support that is provided to politicians, their families and their staff, we have always been clear that there is more work to be done.
Violence, abuse, intimidation and harassment continues to be a very real threat to elected representatives and others in public life. No one should have to fear for their safety. Any violence or abuse is utterly unacceptable. It endangers people and their families, and it endangers our democratic life.
We welcome the government’s commitment to review the security offered to MPs, as well as former MPs and others in political life. While this review will rightly focus on the physical security of MPs and former MPs, it should also consider the online harms that they face and the impact on families and staff.
We are also clear that more needs to be done to not only respond to, but to prevent abuse, intimidation and violence. Through The Jo Cox Civility Commission, we have continued to call for a range of changes to prevent abuse, including implementing political and media literacy in schools and across society, making online spaces safe, and for all those in political life to role model respectful behaviour.
By taking a range of actions across different sectors, including implementing preventative measures, we believe that as a society we can turn the tide of abuse, intimidation and violence in public life. Our goal is to ensure that anyone, regardless of their background or political opinion, can feel safe and respected while participating in public life.