MP determined to wage war on Facebook and Twitter trolls

Angus MP Kirstene Hair has declared war on online abusers after admitting she has been shocked by the behaviour of trolls since her election to Westminster.

Conservative MP Ms Hair has used two speeches in the House of Commons to outline the importance of breaking down barriers to women standing for parliament, and facing down cyber bullies.

She said: “Even from my relatively short time in the public eye, I have seen the unacceptable level of abuse directed at candidates.

“It is of no benefit whatsoever to what is often robust political debate to have people being intimidated and abused by small-minded cowards who hide behind online anonymity.

“This has become a disappointingly familiar part of political life, a regrettable legacy of that divisive 2014 independence referendum.

“We must work together with the common aim to eradicate this behaviour from British politics because enough is enough.”

The MP added: “No one, of course, is suggesting that we should duck the big question or fail to stand up and make our cases, but I am increasingly concerned that the bitterness that attaches itself to our political discourse is off putting to the new faces we all want to welcome to politics.

“The disruptive minority that seek to block out alternative views offer nothing and conceal themselves behind anonymous screen names.

“I hope that in my time in office, I will be able to contribute something to making more people – particularly women – feel less intimidated to put themselves forward for election,” said Ms Hair.