Newspaper Column – The Cornishman – 08/06/26

It’s vital we defend the right to free speech. But those who exploit that freedom to stoke rage, hate and violence undermine us all.

Today, the Commons holds a debate to commemorate ten years since the shocking murder of Labour MP for Batley and Spen, Jo Cox, by a far-right activist, as she walked to her casework surgery to help people in her constituency. Amongst her remarkable legacy, during her all too short parliamentary career, was to memorably say what all decent people know to be true: that “We are far more united and have far more in common with each other than the things that divide us”. However, too much in politics is driven by what divides us. Some politicians and keyboard warriors whose aim is to drive a wedge between people; to promote fear through lies and half-truths; to use ‘dog-whistle’ tactics to promote bigotry; to whip up violent protest to advance their dogma of hatred and division; they hate the politics of Jo Cox, and of seeking common cause.

Sadly, Jo Cox is not the only MP attacked in this way. My colleague, the now late, Nigel Jones MP, was attacked by a constituent with a samurai sword at his Cheltenham surgery in 2000. He only survived because his friend, Andy Pennington, was murdered when he rushed in to protect him. Then, a good friend, Conservative MP, David Amess, was killed in another shocking attack at his surgery by an Islamic State fanatic in 2021. Many more MPs and Councillors have been attacked and threatened.

This week, a party leader who the media predicts will be a future Prime Minister, ignored the dignified plea of the family of a murder victim. They asked for calm, to enact positive change, rather than exploit the tragedy for political grievance. Instead, the would-be PM called for a “cold rage” response, provoking far-right thugs to rampage through the streets.

Coincidentally, one local news producer chose to mock a local councillor who bravely warned against the risk of the irresponsible whipping-up of ill-informed fury rather than to engage in respectful and robust debate. The report, glibly titled “Mocking Councillors is unacceptable, says Councillor” missed the point. Of course, MPs and councillors expect to and should be held to account. But care must be taken not to cross a clear line; to endorse a dangerous climate where public figures are firmly told they should be prepared for anything; no matter how untrue, unkind, or how much it may provoke the easily-provoked to feel they’re entitled to act on it, to ‘have a go’.

I’ve experienced death threats and threats of other kinds over the years. I won’t be intimidated and will continue to challenge vested interests and seek out the silent voices. My predecessor faced similar unacceptable threats. We don’t expect everyone to appreciate let alone applaud the work we do. But it’s not unreasonable to ask everyone to engage in debate with decorum and respect.