It is sad that even after the loss of Jo, this abuse continues
–
MP’S sister Kim Leadbeater
The sister of murdered MP Jo Cox says it is deeply distressing that, five years after her death, even more politicians and people in public roles are being abused and threatened.
Kim Leadbeater said everyone has a responsibility for changing the perception that people in public roles are somehow “fair game” for abuse and intimidation.
She warns that change must begin with how politicians speak to each other, setting an example with the language they use and avoiding often aggressive stances in parliament and on social media.
She said: “It’s a huge sadness that even after the loss of Jo, this kind of abuse continues. Indeed, it appears to have increased, particularly towards women in politics and in public positions which can only lead to those talented people leaving their jobs.
“Politicians can all play a role in changing this by how they speak to each other and conduct themselves, which is why we are delighted that so many have agreed to sign up to a code of conduct so we see an end to the aggressive way they treat each other which encourages others to believe it is acceptable for them to behave badly.”
Leadbetter said we need to do a lot more to help communities feel connected and included so they are not drawn to extreme groups such as those which attracted Jo’s killer, far-right extremist Thomas Mair, a Scot, who was sentenced to life in prison for fatally shooting and stabbing the Labour MP and mum of two, 41, as she walked in the street in her constituency in Birstall, West Yorkshire.
She said: “Courts and the justice system must also act more robustly to deal with those who behave in a way which leaves others feeling threatened and abused, by imposing the correct deterrents.
“And we must find ways to understand and address why people feel so disassociated that abusive behaviour is acceptable. Too many believe they have no voice, and there is no other way to be heard but to shout and scream at an MP when they are doing their shopping or to behave aggressively towards them.
“Politicians, public figures, and celebrities are only human after all. But sometimes people forget that they are someone’s daughter, someone’s husband, or someone’s sister.”