Skip to content

The MP seeking out online critics for a real-life chat

Boston and Skegness MP Matt Warman spends a lot of time talking to his constituents on social media - but is unhappy at some of the bad language that often creeps into their online discussions.

In an experiment to see if people are kinder face-to-face, our reporter Jess Lord brought some of those attacking the Conservative MP to meet him in person.

9 December 2022

Explore More

Adam Kassak (on the left) and Ali Baydoun smile at the camera with their arms crossed in front of their chests

Beirut: Meet the TikTokers filming destroyed homes

Frank, boy in soldier's outfit. He wears a bearskin hat and red uniform with medals on.

'We're remembering the soldiers - my heroes'

Ashley Gordon aka DJ AG Online

TikTok DJ on a mission to spread positivity

Ashlee Crumpton

TikToker terrified of people seeing her skin

Young woman taking selfie at Democratic National Convention

Influencers swarm convention as Democrats' secret weapon

Raygun speaking

Australian breakdancer Raygun opens up about 'devastating' hate online

Hill walkers

Mountain rescuers' social media novice troubles

Marianna Spring

Could your social media feeds affect how you vote?

Ellie Harris

TikTokers on why they have to delay ‘adulting’

Mobile phone and social media apps

Ros Atkins on... How different countries protect children online

Marianna spring next to a child's hand holding a mobile

Protecting under-18s from harmful online content

She creates Youtube content and Tik Tok videos too to share educational information about the syndrome.

The TikToker raising awareness of Tourette's syndrome

Gloucestershire

Robin

Slow motion robin flies high on Facebook

Coventry & Warwickshire

Zuzanna Pawwlik

Can mayor hopefuls win young voters on social media?

Birmingham & Black Country

Meghan Markle speaking on SXSW panel

Meghan: 'Social media bullying is not catty, it's cruel'

Entertainment & Arts

Laura Jones

Concern over link between tech and teenage violence

Kalani Smith

US TikTok star travels the world for a parmo

Susie the cat on a conveyor belt in a shop

Curious cat achieves celebrity status in Dorset town

Kemi Badenoch

Badenoch claims media is 'trying to fuel gossip'

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew

I'm Singaporean! TikTok CEO denies China ties

Lindsay Hoyle dragged by both arms

Watch: Moment Speaker dragged to Commons chair

In a traditional part of the process, the successful candidate pretends to be reluctant to take up the role.

Correspondent Ben Chu

Quick take on Labour's energy plan

BBC Verify's Ben Chu on what to make of Labour’s plans to decarbonise UK electricity production.

Chris Mason and Mark Logan

Watch: Former Tory MP says he is backing Labour

The former Conservative MP for Bolton North East has told the BBC he now supports Labour.

Factory workers in Milton Keynes

Watch: Party leaders on the campaign trail

Political party leaders have been out and about campaigning ahead of the general election.

Keir Starmer

I want the highest quality candidates - Starmer

The Labour leader says he wants the "highest quality" candidates to put to the voters.

Carla Denyer

Greens launch campaign target of 'at least four' MPs

The Green Party of England and Wales launch their election campaign in Bristol.

Faiza Shaheen talking on BBC Newsnight

Labour candidate says she's been blocked from standing

Faiza Shaheen says she's was told she will not be Labour's candidate after allegedly liking antisemitic posts on X.

Rishi Sunak

Rishi Sunak tells Chris Mason: Yes, I am changing minds

The PM tells the BBC's political editor he is "thoroughly enjoying" himself out meeting voters in the election campaign.

Sir Keir Starmer wearing a suit and a brown tie

Not true Abbott barred from standing - Starmer

The Labour leader says no decision has been taken to bar Diane Abbott.

Keir Starmer

Starmer pleased Rayner has been 'vindicated'

Labour's leader says he always had confidence in his deputy with the row over her council house sale.

Ed Davey falls from a paddle board

Going, going, gone: Ed Davey takes a dip in Windermere

The Liberal Democrats leader was paddle boarding on Lake Windermere in the Lake District.

Rishi Sunak

Watch: PM criticises Sir Keir Starmer's campaign speeches

The prime minister accused Labour's Sir Keir Starmer of "not having the courage" to tell voters about Labour ideas.

Nigel Farage

Labour and Tories are both 'social democrats', says Farage

Nigel Farage was speaking in Dover, as part of his campaign for Reform UK.

Sir Keir Starmer

Starmer asked if there's a 'lack of enthusiasm' for Labour

Labour leader Keir Starmer is pressed on whether there's a perceived lack of enthusiasm for his party.

Rachel Reeves

Reeves: No return to austerity under Labour

The shadow chancellor is quizzed on her economic plans should Labour win the general election.

Rishi Sunak

Sunak 'disappointed' smoking ban bill did not get through

The PM says he "stepped up to do something that is bold" over his bid to phase out smoking.

Craig Mackinlay MP

Watch: Limb loss MP on his return to Parliament

Craig Mackinlay says he was met by "a storm" of noise when he returned to the House of Commons

Rishi Sunak

Oops! Sunak asks if Welsh are looking forward to Euros

On a campaign trip, the PM asks voters if they will watch the football tournament, even though Wales did not qualify.

Richard Tice

Tories 'terrified' of Reform Party - Richard Tice

The Reform Party leader says Rishi Sunak "bottled it" over calling a surprise general election for July.

Sir Keir Starmer

A vote for Labour is a vote to stop the chaos - Starmer

On the first full day of election campaigning the Labour leader says "nothing will change" if the Conservatives get back into power on July 5.