MP's threats
Dr Lisa Cameron says she has received death threats since becoming East Kilbride's MP.
The mum-of-two shared her experiences in the wake of a survey of female MPs at Westminster.
She said: “There have been difficult times in which I have experienced death threats.”
Dr Lisa Cameron has told how she has received death threats since being elected as an MP.
The East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow representative shared her experiences following an anonymous survey of female MPs at Westminster.
Two-thirds confirmed they feel less safe since last year’s horrific murder of Yorkshire MP Jo Cox.
More than half of female MPs surveyed state that they have received physical threats from members of the public – as well as verbal abuse.
And one in six respondents say they would not have stood if they had realised what life as an MP was truly like.
The survey also took into account the impact of the job on family life.
One in five respondents said this had been a contributing factor in either turning down or not seeking promotion.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live Daily, SNP MP Dr Cameron said: “Becoming an MP has been a mixed experience.
“There have been difficult times in which I have experienced death threats, online hostility which was something I’d never experienced before working as a doctor.
“But it is a real privilege to represent my constituents, particularly since I represent the town in which I grew up which makes it even more of a privilege.”
The mum-of-two added:“What happened to Jo highlighted the risks that face all MPs.
“I think, prior to that, coming from the NHS where we had very good security policies, lone working policies – what was stark for me was the absence of similar policies which mitigated risks faced by all MPs.
“We need to get a good balance where we are both accessible but there are also appropriate risk management procedures in place.”
In response to the survey’s findings, the deputy speaker of the House of Commons, Lindsay Hoyle, said that the parliamentary security department was working with the Metropolitan Police to ensure the safety and security of MPs while they were at Westminster.