"Minister warns of 'industrial' abuse against MPs and candidates"

Lawmakers and political candidates are facing widespread threats and harassment, officials have warned, as new measures are introduced to impose stricter penalties on those convicted of such acts.

Rushanara Ali, a minister responsible for democratic engagement, stated that her colleagues are experiencing unprecedented levels of harassment, which has discouraged many young people from entering politics.

With two lawmakers killed in recent years and numerous candidates reporting harassment during the last election, the government is taking action to prevent further violence.

“During my time as a lawmaker, we have lost colleagues—my friend Jo Cox, Sir David Amess,” Ali said. “There was also the horrific attack on Stephen Timms in my first week after being elected in 2010.”

“The severity of hostility has escalated, reaching industrial-scale threats and intimidation during last year’s general election, which has had a damaging impact on our democracy.”

She added: “Regularly, I hear about colleagues from various parties—especially women, though not only—facing threats and intimidation.”

Ali was among several candidates, including Muslim women, who were singled out by pro-Palestinian campaigners in the last election. Videos showed protesters confronting her supporters in Bethnal Green, east London, while a fabricated campaign leaflet portrayed her with devil horns.

Her colleague Shabana Mahmood contacted police twice in one weekend due to harassment while campaigning.

However, lawmakers say the issue is not linked to a single political stance, but stems from a divided public increasingly distrustful of elected officials, while digital platforms make it easier to target them.

Cox was murdered by a far-right extremist in 2016, and Amess by an Islamic State supporter in 2021.

A post-election review by the Electoral Commission found that 55% of candidates reported harassment or intimidation, with 13% describing it as severe.

Vijay Rangarajan, the commission’s head, stated earlier this year: “Tackling abuse against elected officials is essential not only for their safety but for the broader stability of democracy.”

Another report, compiled by a parliamentary group, cautioned: “The threats against politicians today represent a stark shift from past trends, and current patterns indicate further escalation.”

Ali said she had received several death threats over the past year.

“Just yesterday, I was threatened with torture and death,” she said, adding that similar messages had been sent to her by email and mail during the campaign.

“Many colleagues have faced the same.”