The birthplace of democracy must not cave to mob rule, warns Duncan Barkes. Security services have urged MPs to construct safe rooms in their homes due to increasing threats. This advice follows the death of former MP Ann Widdicombe and comes amid a rise in political violence.
Rise in Political Violence
Political violence has blighted UK history, with Conservative MPs Ian Gow and Airey Neave murdered by the IRA and INLA respectively. The 1984 Brighton hotel bombing killed five, including MP Sir Anthony Berry. More recently, Labour MP Jo Cox and Conservative MP Sir David Amess were murdered while working in their constituencies.
Barkes attributes the growing politically charged climate to factors including Brexit, illegal migration, global conflicts, and the October 7 attacks on Israel. He also notes a rising number of people who despise or want to attack the western way of life due to ideological or religious beliefs.
Safe Rooms for MPs
The National Protective Security Authority, an arm of MI5, advises MPs to build safe rooms with bulletproof walls in their homes. Barkes, a former parliamentary assistant, describes Parliament as a fortress but notes that constituency offices are vulnerable to abuse, graffiti, and intimidation.
Former Conservative MP Dame Penny Mordaunt revealed over 700 death threats and rape threats, including threats to murder her family. Barkes argues that such threats are unacceptable and that no politician should have to endure them.
Crack Down on Mob Rule
Barkes criticises the tolerance of individuals and groups who use vile abuse, protest, or intimidation. He points to Palestinian marches where protesters chanted terrorist slogans and carried banners calling for the destruction of Israel, as well as the behaviour of 'Stop Brexit' activist Steve Bray who harassed MPs.
"This is not the Great Britain I want to live in," Barkes writes. He calls for a hard crackdown on those who menace and physically threaten politicians, arguing that dissent should be expressed through robust debate or at the ballot box. If not, democracy will suffer further.
