School principal warns of ‘dreadful lesson’ set by abuse of public figures

CHILDREN ARE being taught “dreadful lessons” by attacks on politicians and journalists over Brexit, the principal of one of the UK’s top schools has warned.

Lisa Kerr, principal of Gordonstoun, has called on educators to teach tolerance and respect following the harassment this week of politicians and journalists outside Westminster.

Guardian journalist Owen Jones and Conservative MP Anna Soubry were both harassed by protesters in favour of Brexit earlier this week. Ms Kerr said: “It seems that simply taking part in a topical and important debate now makes you a target for abuse. As well as being deeply depressing for us adults, this is teaching dreadful lessons to our children. As educators of today, we must be sure we are teaching future generations the lessons learned from the past. We may be about to exit an economic and political union, but we can still be tolerant of each other’s beliefs and recognise the value of each other’s cultures.”

Theresa May has also condemned threats of violence and intimidation against MPs and journalists after the events outside Parliament.

The Prime Minister said politicians and the media should be able to “go about their work without harassment and intimidation” as tensions heightened in Westminster.

Her comments came after a Tory former minister, Nick Boles, received a death threat after he voted against the Government over a no-deal Brexit.