The Committee on Standards in Public Life published its report this week calling for new laws to stamp out bullying of MPs and Parliamentary candidates.
The report, led by Lord Bew, calls on the Prime Minister Theresa May to consult on the introduction of a new offence in electoral law of intimidating Parliamentary candidates and party campaigners. The report also called for greater cross party cohesion to stamp out any abuse amongst their supporters.
The watchdog also focuses on the rising abuse of politicians online. The report is calling on social media companies to take down offensive material more quickly.
Councillor Ameet Jogia gave evidence to the committee following the abuse he received in Brent North where he stood as the Conservative Parliamentary candidate in the June 2017 General Election.
Following the release of the report Ameet said, “We must ensure this rise in abuse and intimidation does not put people off from standing for office or getting involved in politics. People should not be scared about coming forward in politics or standing up for what they believe in. I think the recommendations in this report will definitely make activists feel safer.”
The report follows death threats to Conservative MP Anna Soubry and harassment to Labour MP Luciana Berger. The recommendations will be considered by the Government in due course.
