Sparked intense abuse of MPS
0 Kim Leadbeater met Holyrood ministers on her visit
we know to our cost, it only takes one individual who can’t differentiate between violent language and threatening language and violent action for lives to be torn apart.”
Speaking outside the Scottish Parliament before meeting ministers, cross-party representatives and presiding officer Ken Macintosh, Ms Leadbeater said her late sister would find the current public discourse “extremely upsetting and very sad”.
She said: “Jo was a huge advocate for passionate discussion and robust debate but I think she would be extremely disappointed that things have got to this point. The current climate is particularly worrying; the abuse politicians have faced has reached new low levels and I think we all have to work together now to try and change the nature of that debate.
“There’s absolutely nothing wrong with robust debate and being passionate about the subject, but when that descends into personal attacks, abuse and violent language, I think that’s not helpful, that’s not going to move things forward.
“Whether you are a politician or a journalist or a normal member of the public like me, we all have a responsibility to conduct ourselves in a more civilised manner.
“I’ve had lots of conversations with MPS down in Westminster and the abuse that they have suffered, whether it’s on social media or via email and contact with their office, has really shocked me.
“Personal threats of violence, rape threats towards women, MPS fearing for the safety of their families – that can’t be right.