MP fears abuse of politicians is 'becoming normal'

An MP who was sent a series of threatening emails said he feared the abuse of politicians was "becoming the norm".

Robbie Moore, MP for Keighley and Ilkley, received nine messages over two days from Richard Inman in 2023, one of which said: "The real men of this county will hang the lot of you".

Speaking after Inman was give a suspended jail sentence, Mr Moore said he had had to install extra protection at his home as a result of the abuse.

The Home Office, which earlier this year announced plans to beef up security for MPs facing threats to their safety, said: "Political intimidation and abuse must have no place in our society."

Inman, 41, pleaded guilty to three charges relating to the messages on Monday and was given an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.

Reacting to the sentencing, Mr Moore, who has been a Conservative MP since 2019, said: "No one enters public service to put up with continued abuse.

"Over the past year, I have received threatening behaviour, had my office attacked and had extra protection at home.

"Unfortunately this seems to [be] becoming the norm and it shouldn't be tolerated."

Two Labour MPs gave Mr Moore their support on social media.

Anna Dixon, MP for neighbouring constituency Shipley said: "We must stand up to those who seek to abuse, threaten and intimidate politicians."

Jake Richards, MP for Rother Valley said: "This is horrific.

"I'm pleased justice has been done."

At his sentencing Judge Tan Ikram reminded Inman that "MPs have been murdered" and "they take those threats seriously".

In 2021, the MP for Southend West Sir David Amess was murdered at a constituency surgery in a church hall in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex.

And in 2016, the MP for Batley and Spen Jo Cox was murdered on her way to meet constituents in Birstall, West Yorkshire.

The government announced in February that MPs facing threats to their safety will get extra security, as part of a £31m package to help protect the UK's democratic processes from disruption.

Measures included the provision of bodyguards for MPs most at risk.

A Home Office spokesperson said: "Political intimidation and abuse must have no place in our society.

"We take reports of intimidation, harassment and abuse extremely seriously and are following up with individual MPs and candidates."

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