Twitter witch hunt does no one justice

IT is impossible to exaggerate the gravity of a prominent Labour activist’s claim that she was raped by a senior Labour official, and told not to report it because it would harm her career.

Indeed, Bex Bailey’s allegation is as horrifying as the worst charges against Harvey Weinstein, while raising profoundly disturbing questions about Labour’s handling of such cases.

As should go without saying, it must be fully investigated by the police, while any party official found complicit in a cover-up must also face the full force of the law.

But shouldn’t it also put into perspective the witch-hunt against the 40 Conservative MPs who stand accused of minor sexual impropriety, such as putting a hand on a knee or making an unwelcome, tipsy pass?

To conflate such trivial charges with rape claims – or the allegations against Kevin Spacey involving an underage boy – is an insult to genuine victims of sex-crimes.

As for the 40 who stand accused – most of whom may be guilty of nothing more serious than undignified flirting – they are now suffering trial by the Twitter mob, whipped up by feminist zealots.

Without any evidence of wrongdoing – let alone proof – their names are bandied about on the internet, and their reputations permanently damaged.

Truly, these are chilling times in which the web can be mobilised to betray the victims of sex crimes, defy justice and fairness – and dissuade able men and women from entering public life.