MP’s killing is an attack on us all and the democracy we cherish
THE shocking killing of an MP at a constituency surgery in Essex has once again highlighted the dangers those in the front line of politics, indeed the front line of many sectors, face when dealing with the public in arenas where tensions can run high.
Sadly, the death of Sir David Amess, which is being treated as a terror-related incident, and similar acts serve to undermine the open systems we hold dear.
Politicians on all sides have united in grief and a determination that such atrocities should not weaken a resolve to ensure democracy in this country is accessible and tolerant, reflecting the freedoms we cherish. And yet, as concerns about security are rightly raised, so our MPs may increasingly distance themselves from the local constituents they represent.
One of the positive elements of our democracy is that constituents can see their parliamentary representatives face to face across a table at regular Friday surgeries.
The ability to flag concerns with an MP, and to hear their counterarguments, is at the heart of our system of parliamentary representation.
Now such weekly surgeries could be characterised by police standing guard over discussions.
Protection for MPs while they are holding talks with constituents is one of the options being considered under a “whole spectrum” of measures to address safety concerns after the Southend West MP’s killing on Friday.
The safety of our politicians is paramount. Two serving MPs have been killed in the past five years, and those who hold public office should never live in fear for their safety.
Labour shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy admitted she did not feel safe when going about her Wigan constituency and said she was not sure the situation was “recoverable” for public servants following the tragic deaths of Sir David Amess and Labour MP for Batley and Spen, Jo Cox, who was murdered in 2016 as she was on her way to a constituency surgery.
Home Secretary Priti Patel is adamant that MPs should continue to be accessible to the public, despite the attacks and the barrage of threats, saying: “This should never, ever break that link between an elected representative and their democratic role, responsibility and duty to the people who elected them.”
She is right. Those who attack MPs, attack our democracy and should never be allowed to win.
Widening the gap between politicians and the electorate, fracturing the open relationship that has persisted for so long, may increase voter frustration and distrust. And yet the dangers cannot be ignored. Social media has become a breeding ground for extreme views.
The ability of people to anonymously ‘troll’ those in the public eye has to be tackled. The bullying and threats which would not be tolerated in public should not be tolerated online. Allowing it to continue unchecked runs the risk of such hatred spilling over from the virtual to the real.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Sir David, and our hopes are that the democracy he championed as an MP in touch with his electorate remains a legacy that will not be weakened by his tragic loss.