New law to protect politicians from harassment

A new law has been proposed to better protect public office holders from harassment and intimidation.

The changes set out in the Crime and Policing Bill, propose restricting protests outside the homes of MPs, peers and local councillors.

The police will be given strengthened powers to stop this form of intimidation and abuse.

There will be a new criminal offence of protesting outside the home of someone in public office where their intention is to influence them in their role or an aspect of their private life, with perpetrators facing up to 6 months’ imprisonment.

The Electoral Commission reported that over half of the candidates who stood in last year’s general election experienced some form of abuse or intimidation.

Another survey found that 96 per cent of MPs had experienced at least one instance of harassment or intimidation which had a corrosive effect on their ability to do their jobs.

Security Minister Dan Jarvis said: "The level of abuse faced by those taking part in British politics is truly shocking – it’s a threat to our democracy. People should be able to participate in our politics without fearing for their own or their family’s safety.   

"When good people choose not to put themselves forward, communities lose out and the country is poorer for it. 

"As Chair of the Defending Democracy Taskforce, I am leading work across government to drive out harassment and intimidation and strengthen our protections. This measure is a serious but necessary and proportionate step. Targeting public office holders at their homes crosses a line – it’s intimidation, not protest, and we’re putting a stop to it."

Will Fletcher, Interim CEO of the Jo Cox Foundation said: "We welcome measures to improve the safety and security of those in public office. Protesting outside someone’s home clearly poses serious safety concerns and can cause distress for the individual and their family.

"Protest and robust debate are important to our democracy, and there are many ways that people can make their voices heard without crossing the line into intimidation at someone’s home. 

"Through the Jo Cox Civility Commission, we work with a range of partners to address abuse towards politicians, their staff and families, and promote more respectful politics in order to strengthen our democracy."