MP steps up security after death threats Phillips suffers barrage of hate after criticising leader Corbyn
OUTSPOKEN Birmingham MP Jess Phillips has had to beef up security at her home after receiving death threats.
Internet trolls have targeted the Yardley Labour MP, sending her pictures of a woman impaled by a spear – with her face superimposed on the disturbing image.
She has also been subjected to a number of death and rape threats on social media, and said she had received ‘hundreds’ of frightening messages.
Mother-of-two Ms Phillips last week tweeted pictures of a locksmith stepping up door security at her Birmingham home. “Locksmith spending six hours to make my home safe,” she posted. “Think about how my kids feel next time you mock up a picture of me dying.”
Ms Phillips said the recent murder of her close friend and colleague Jo Cox, together with an increase in threats in the light of the Labour leadership contest, had caused her to review security for both herself and her family.
The Labour MP has a reputation for being opinionated and has become a target for internet trolls after standing up against sexism and criticising Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership.
Ms Phillips, who used to work with Sandwell Women’s Aid, said: “It’s not just one or two messages.
“I get hundreds of messages with people saying they are coming for me, and these have been building up. I don’t mind criticism or a political argument, but these personal attacks build up.”
She is now vetting media and public appearance requests and cutting back her attendance at the Labour Party Conference to a single day, but she has vowed not to be silenced by the abusers.
“I was elected to be brave and to speak up when things are wrong,” she said. “And I will continue to do so.”
West Midlands Police had already agreed to attend the advice surgeries Ms Phillips’ holds for her constituents.
Earlier this month the Chief Constable of West Midlands Police outlined measures to protect MPs across the West Midlands.
Dave Thompson said that after the murder of Jo Cox: “All of our local MPs have been offered additional security and have spoken to local commanders in their areas. “I have also written to all MPs, MEPs and local politicians, through council leaders. It is important that we are proportionate, but it is also important to give advice. All of them have also had the benefit of advice from c o u n t e r- t e rrorism advisers.”
I get hundreds of messages with people saying they are coming for me MP Jess Phillips