Britain must act to save its democracy

When the Troubles ended, the threat of ideologically motivated violence against politicians seemingly receded. Politics could never be entirely safe – the killing of Andrew Pennington, aide to a Liberal Democrat MP, showed the risk of lone madmen was always lurking – but the pall cast by ideological extremists had lifted.

Over the past decade, it has returned. The stabbing of Stephen Timms in 2010 was an early warning, and was followed by the murder of Jo Cox in 2016 by the far-right extremist Thomas Mair and, in 2021, of Sir David Amess by the Islamist terrorist Ali Harbi Ali.

These tragedies prompted MPS to speak up about the torrent of abuse they have faced simply doing their jobs, and the immense strain it places on them and their families. One complained last year that she had been “bombarded” with rape and death threats. Since October 7, this situation has worsened. It appears that ever more politicians are routinely too afraid to do their jobs. This week, Mike Freer, the member for Finchley and Golders Green, announced he will be stepping down after a series of death threats and an arson attack.

Mr Freer is a friend of Israel, and represents many Jewish constituents. This combination has left him more exposed than most to the hatred coursing through parts of British politics and society, but he is far from alone. MPS of all stripes are now fearful for their personal safety and that of their staffers. The risk is that, because they are afraid, they may engage in self-censorship, thereby failing to advance the interests of the constituents they represent. Our parliamentary democracy cannot function if MPS cannot speak freely.

The tension between the protection of politicians from those who would do them harm, and our longstanding tradition of openness and accessibility, has been brought into sharp relief.

After the death of Sir David, murdered for voting in favour of air strikes on Syria in 2014 and 2015, Sir Lindsay Hoyle and then home secretary Priti Patel moved to offer trained security protection to MPS in their constituencies.

This was widely resisted, but is surely preferable to a situation where MPS are unable to fulfil their basic duties. Much greater efforts must go towards stamping out networks engaged in harassment and intimidation, and identifying their origins. The resignation of Mike Freer must serve as a wake-up call.