Parliament staff fear the abuse is getting worse

POLITICS: Hecklers flood in with jibes to numerous MPS and their workers

“I’ve been watching you and I don’t like you. You need to go back where you came from.”

The chilling words of an abusive caller to the offices of a prominent Courier Country MP, the frequency of which is ever increasing, according to the Member’s staff who regularly answer calls.

Police were called, however the staff member, who asked not to be named in fear of further attack, said the number of calls and threatening letters had only increased in recent months.

“Recently, when we have been out on constituency visits, a lot of abuse has been shouted in our direction,” they said.

“Emails, which are sent to a catch-all email, can be particularly toxic, they tend to be the worst in terms of volume of abuse.

“We have sent several reports to the police, there is only so much which can be done. Some of us are worried about leaving the constituency office late at night, it has gotten that bad.”

Scottish Conservative MP for Angus, Kirstene Hair, said in her two years of being an MP, she had been subject to hundreds of abusive messages.

Condemning those who attack MPS and their staff, she said: “Whatever your politics or opinion may be, abuse aimed towards those who serve their community is inexcusable.

“It is extremely disappointing pointed and sustained attacks on MPS and MSPS – any kind of public figure – are getting worse. We cannot stand by and suggest this is now the norm, we have a duty to challenge this unacceptable behaviour.

“I have called on our local police over a number of incidents, directed towards myself and my staff and I cannot commend their efficiency and professionalism enough.

“We continue to live in a very divided country and politicians of all colours must seek to heal these wounds not further expose them.

“As we have heard in committees at Westminster, social media companies

“

Some of us are worried about leaving the office late at night, it has gotten that bad. PARLIAMENT STAFF MEMBER

need to take a greater role in dealing with hate speech, misinformation and online bullying.

“But personal responsibility will be the biggest driver for change.”

North East Fife SNP MP Stephen Gethins said he too had first hand experience of threatening abuse

He said: “Any behaviour which makes someone feel intimidated or concerned for their safety is totally unacceptable.

“As someone who has had first-hand experience of this, my appeal is that we must be able to disagree without being disagreeable.

“I know that not everyone agrees with my position but I have to be able to do my job and be accessible to constituents.

“That also goes for the incredibly hard working team in my constituency office who do fantastic work and are often the first contact for people who want to make their views known.

“I am very grateful to them and for the work local police officers do to keep everyone safe and to members of the community for their support.”

Picture: Empics Entertainment. North East Fife MP Stephen Gethins said he also had been subject to abuse and threatening behaviour.