MPs fear that knocking on doors alone is unsafe in ‘toxic atmosphere’

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Nicky Morgan announced yesterday that she would not stand in the December 12 general election, saying modern MPs were the subject of abuse
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MPs today admitted they have concerns about their safety on the doorsteps, citing a “toxic atmosphere” ahead of the general election.

The Evening Standard has spoken to MPs from across the political spectrum who said they have taken out restraining orders, faced intimidation, or have had to put security measures in their homes.

Others say they have faced attacks or “obsessive stalking” and intend to carry security alarms when they are out canvassing for votes over the next six weeks.

Labour MP Luke Pollard, who is gay, last week had graffiti daubed on his constituency office which included an anti-gay slur.

The MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport said: “A lot of people are concerned about what’s going to happen. When you know there are people out there who genuinely mean you harm and are making threats in a way I don’t think we’ve had before. That does create a really toxic atmosphere.”

He refused to be cowed, saying: “I’m not going to allow any bigot to make me into a victim.”

But he said he was worried about the safety of his staff and volunteers, adding: “I’m concerned about people walking down driveways to knock on the doors. We are going into an election that is going to be horribly divided and divisive.”

Former Conservative MP Anna Soubry, who is now leader of the Independent Group for Change, told BBC Newsnight: “My 85-year-old mother was sent a letter to her home threatening her safety.

"My partner received an ‘in sympathy RIP card’ saying that now that your partner is dead we are coming after you. That was sent to his home.”

Labour MP Melanie Onn said some of her colleagues will not be able to knock on doors alone, adding: “That is a terrible indictment of the current political situation but also very reflective I think.”

Shadow home secretary Diane Abbott, who suffers a huge amount of racist and sexist abuse, today called on social media companies to make it harder for people to be anonymous online.

Culture Secretary Nicky Morgan, left, announced yesterday that she would not stand in the December 12 general election, saying the role had a “clear impact” on her family and that modern MPs were the subject of abuse.

Her departure is being seen as part of an exodus of moderate Conservatives leaving Westminster after suffering abuse. Four other female centrists have announced they are standing down.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock today tweeted: “Heartbreaking to see the number of colleagues stepping down because of the daily stream of online abuse. No one, in any job, should be abused in this way. Surely we as a society can be better than this.”

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps denied moderates were fleeing the Tory party.

He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “I do reject the idea all the moderates are going — I’m a Remainer, and there are lots of Remainers in the Cabinet, very moderate sensible people who think it is right to observe what the electorate said.”

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