A new parliamentary report has issued a stark warning: MP abuse threatens democracy. Nearly all MPs surveyed say they’ve been subjected to abuse, leading to fears about democratic decline and shrinking public engagement.
The warning comes from the Speaker’s Conference, a group of MPs tasked with investigating safety in politics. The initiative began after a sharp rise in threats during the 2024 general election.
In its interim report released Monday, the group stated that harassment and intimidation are discouraging people from running for office. It also makes it harder for elected officials to speak freely and meet constituents.
According to the survey, 96% of MPs and 69% of their staff reported facing at least one form of abuse. The report concluded that these threats are not just personal they are political. MP abuse threatens democracy by deterring public service and distorting democratic dialogue.
The report warned that if left unaddressed, this hostile environment could lead to a less representative Parliament. New voices may choose not to stand for election, and current MPs may withdraw from public spaces out of fear.
Speaker of the House Sir Lindsay Hoyle called the findings “deeply troubling.” He urged urgent cross-party action to restore civil political discourse and safeguard democratic participation.
MP abuse threatens democracy, the report reiterated, adding that social media plays a major role in amplifying hostility. MPs and experts alike have called for stronger platform regulation and better protections for public figures.
Further recommendations are expected in the full report later this year. Meanwhile, Parliament is being urged to treat political safety as a core issue not just a side concern.
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