Abuse, threats, aggression: the fear that stalks MPs on Britain’s streets
GuardianOct 17, 2021
On Thursday, a man was charged with assaulting independent MP and former Health Secretary Matt Hancock during an incident on the London Underground on Tuesday.
Geza Tarjanyi, from Leyland in Lancashire, will appear in court next month for charges of common assault and two public order offenses for the incident that occurred at the station next to the House of Commons.
Alongside the deaths of Sir David Amess in 2021 and Jo Cox in 2016, there has been a rising tide of aggression and abuse toward MPs. Lack of police action and dangerous rhetoric within politics are key factors to this growing problem. While there has yet to be consensus over how such an issue should be tackled, there is agreement that MPs shouldn't feel as if they are vulnerable to security threats.
While any form of abuse towards MPs is inexcusable, fortunately, such behavior isn't commonplace, largely thanks to police efforts, as seen in this latest incident. However, with full details of this incident yet to emerge, authorities should be left to conduct an inquiry without interference.