Online abuse of elected women representatives

There was an important Westminster Hall Debate today on the Online abuse of elected women representatives. Unfortunately, despite applying as appropriate I disappointingly was not picked to speak but I have provided my thoughts/views below:

I was particularly encouraged by members from across the political divide speaking and sharing their views and experiences today and I hope that this delivers a powerful signal to society that Parliament is united on this.

Intimidation and abuse continue to be experienced by individuals across public life, from all groups and across the political spectrum and unfortunately candidates who are female are one of the disproportionately targeted groups in terms of scale, intensity and vitriol. Quiet words of encouragement have had to be had with many women candidates that I know.  What do I do if it happens to me?  How does it feel?  Is it inevitable?

Addressing this intimidatory, bullying and abusive culture matters. It matters for the diversity of our public life; it matters as it has the potential to alter the ways the public can engage with representative democracy; and it matters because it has the ability to stifle the freedom to discuss and debate issues and interests.

It is so important that women are not put off from becoming Members of Parliament or from joining public joining public life anywhere in the UK or around the world. No matter what a person’s belief or ideology they should not be put off from pursuing a career in politics. Please …. let a woman speak – if you disagree with her, debate her…..do not intimidate her – it might make your argument the dominant one, it does not make your argument the superior one.

The cross party showing for this debate clearly shows that this is not a right vs left vs centrist vs leave vs remain issue. All sides include individuals responsible for the offensive, sexist, racist, patronising tweets, Facebook comments, emails, phone calls – Society does not like it – we must address it with some urgency.

Tackling intimidation would enhance political debate and intensify the scrutiny of elected representatives.  It would allow for freedom of expression to continue to be the cornerstone of public life: Freedom of expression is a hard won right and is an important part of a vibrant public life. Our democracy depends on those with different viewpoints disagreeing well and presenting intelligent alternatives.

Intimidation only aims to shut down debate – cutting off participation and engagement…

Tackling this intimidation, far from threatening genuine democratic debate and scrutiny, will serve to enhance and to protect it. Indeed, in order to represent all legitimate interests all voices should be heard so that the democratic process can be maintained.

If this is not addressed, we could be left with a political culture that does not reflect the society it should represent.

Locally, I wanted to draw the House’s attention to an appalling and shocking report in Cornwall’s local news (credit CornwallLive) this week.

 

“Students in Cornwall have said they are afraid to go outside after rumours spread of a group of boys competing to sexually assault the most women.

Messages on social media, sent around to students across Falmouth University, told of a rumoured “national rape day”.

Spreading across Snapchat, Twitter, Facebook, and direct messages, the rumours claimed that a group of around 100 male students were going to compete to see who could sexually assault the most women.

One message said: “There’s a group chat of 100+ guys on campus, and they plan to rape as many girls as they can before April 24.

“The guys in the group chats are being threatened if they tell a soul.”

 

Falmouth University has reacted strongly with a ‘zero tolerance’ approach and is working with the local police.  So far, there is no evidence that these posts are genuine, yet they have had an impact on the female student population in Falmouth.

 

If they are not genuine, then why are social media platforms allowing such posts at all?  Yet again, as with the online abuse of women elected representatives, it is clear that the anonymous and ‘safe distance’ nature of social media platforms allows such abuse to take place.  Offence, insults and threats can be handed out with anonymity.  People, to put it politely, can be far less respectful than they would usually be if speaking face-to-face.

Accountability for what one posts on social media must improve dramatically if we are going to save future women and girls from the vile comments my generation has experienced.

The Online Harms Bill is a pivotal opportunity to tackle online abuse against women and girls, including elected representatives. However, there is concern amongst civil society organisations that the white paper falls short when addressing the disproportionate levels of online harms faced by women and those with multiple protected characteristics. The Online Harms Bill must include gender-based abuse as a priority harm and recognise the compounding harm experienced by those with multiple protected characteristics, rather than categorisation as separate issues.

The reports of abuse that many colleagues have experienced is shocking.  Senior colleagues have been visibly moved by what they have heard from some of the new intake.  Parliament, I believe, is united in wanting to improve discourse in public life for everyone.  We must ensure that it is unacceptable to use the fact that someone is a woman to direct sexist and violent insults her way, merely because there is a disagreement over policy.

I intend to use my time and energy in Parliament to improve this space for women and girls today and for those who come after me.