Abuse is ‘threat to democracy’, says MP

HARASSMENT PUTTING WOMEN OFF STANDING TO BE MPS

ABUSE aimed at female politicians is preventing women from standing for Parliament.

A survey found the number of women saying they would not stand for Parliament is increasing – with 69% citing abuse or harassment from the public or other parties as a concern.

The issue was highlighted in Parliament by Jarrow MP Kate Osborne, who called it a threat to democracy.

She pointed out that only a third of MPs and councillors are women, saying: “Those statistics matter because when women are not equally represented in positions of power, we do not get an equal say in policy making, which inevitably leads to unequal outcomes.

“It is crucial that we do all we can to remove the barriers to women’s representation in politics, including online threats and the experience of violence, abuse and harassment.

“Violence and abuse against women in politics, both online and offline, not only prevent women from standing for election; they drive those who have already been elected to leave politics early.”

Ms Osborne said: “It is clear that the increase in online abuse is posing a real threat to democracy and equal participation.”

She said women from black, Asian or other ethnic minority backgrounds were most likely to receive abuse. Amnesty International research found that in the six weeks before the 2017 general election, ethnic minority female MPs received 35% more abusive tweets than white women MPs. She was speaking in a debate about abuse aimed at female politicians. Another MP, Maria Miller, told colleagues: “The evidence is also clear that online abuse is not only a factor in preventing women from taking on careers in politics; it is also cutting short the careers of those who stand and are successful in being elected.”

She said: “For some colleagues, online abuse is a threat of rape, murder, stalking, or physical violence towards them or their families. At other times it is mass coordinated online harassment by groups.

“Online anonymity means the police can find it difficult to take action swiftly. Above all, online abuse is an attempt to keep women away from contributing to political life.” Government Minister Caroline Dinenage said: “The Government are absolutely clear that online abuse, and particularly abuse targeted at women, is utterly reprehensible and completely unacceptable.”

She said Government legislation would require internet firms to take more responsibility for material distributed using their services.

It is crucial that we do all we can to remove the barriers to women’s representation in politics Kate Osborne, right