Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

MPs call for tougher laws in fight against online abuse

Laws must be strengthened to prevent online trolls from targeting MPs with racist and sexual abuse to prevent future generations being put off politics for good, according to Tulip Siddiq.

The Labour MP for Hampstead and Kilburn in north London was speaking out following the remarks made by Diane Abbott, Britain’s first black MP, who has received a torrent of abuse on social media in recent years.


Abbott, who said it was almost a daily occurrence being called a b***h and n*****, believes there is a case for a parliamentary inquiry into new rules to stop abusive comments on websites like Facebook and Twitter.

Siddiq, who has received death threats, said she supported Abbott’s proposal. “I believe the onus is squarely on

the government to pressure social media companies into acting upon this abuse.

“Laws need to be strengthened and action needs to be forthcoming, otherwise we risk future generations of women and BME citizens being put off politics for good,” she told Eastern Eye.

The new mother described the online abuse as a “deeply unpleasant” aspect of the job, which has become a reality she has learned to deal with.

She was even targeted for becoming a mum, and told “make up your mind, you are either a mother or an MP, you can’t do both”.

“The job we have been elected to do and the needs of our constituents are far more important than caving to those who would wish to push women out of the public sphere,” Siddiq added.

Bradford West MP Naz Shah told Eastern Eye she had received anonymous tweets saying: “I wish you’d see your kids die in your arms tonight,” along with being threatened with rape on Facebook.

“I’ve had people say I’m going to end up like (murdered politician) Jo Cox if I’m not careful. I’ve had death threats during the Samia Shahid (honour killing) case, it’s extremely

common,” she said.

Within just five hours of launching her election campaign in 2015, two fake Twitter accounts had been set up in Shah’s name.

The Labour MP said she has had to discuss security issues with her young children because of the threats: “After what happened to Jo Cox, you have to be careful.”

Scottish National Party representative Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh said she had been working with the police to deal with specific incidents of online racial and sexual abuse targeted towards her.

Along with other MPs, Ahmed-Sheikh has also been involved in the Reclaim the Internet campaign, which challenges abuse online to address the issue.

“I believe there’s a widespread desire now for MPs from all parties to work together to tackle this serious issue,” she said.

“I’m still proud to serve as an MP, but we should be able to carry out our responsibilities without this abuse. That’s why I support Diana Abbott’s calls for an independent

parliamentary enquiry into this issue.”

Ahmed-Sheikh added she hoped trolling would not discourage Asian and black women from politics as it was more important than ever for representatives to be more reflective of the communities they serve.

More For You

National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less
Navroop Singh

Navroop Singh was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. (Photo credit: Metropolitan Police)

Man jailed for life over rape and attempted rape in west London

A 24-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison for rape, attempted rape and firearm offences following a Metropolitan Police investigation in west London.

Navroop Singh, of Mellow Lane East, Hayes, was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on Friday, July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. He must serve a minimum of 14 years.

Keep ReadingShow less
Lepra

'The 100 Club offers a powerful way to support and scale-up this work,' said the organisers.

Lepra launches 100 Club to support community-based leprosy detection

LEPRA launched its first high-value giving network, the 100 Club, on June 26. The event was held at Quilon Restaurant in London and brought together philanthropists, business leaders and supporters of the charity’s work.

The event was hosted by Kalpesh Solanki, Group Managing Editor of Asian Media Group and President of the 100 Club. Remarks were delivered by Lepra’s Chair of Trustees Suzanne McCarthy and CEO Jimmy Innes, who spoke about the organisation’s ASPIRE project.

Keep ReadingShow less
family-centre-iStock

Currently, one in four families with children under five do not have access to local children’s centres or Family Hubs. (Representational image: iStock)

£500 million plan to expand family services across England

THE UK government has announced the nationwide rollout of Best Start Family Hubs across every local authority, aiming to support 500,000 more children by 2028.

The hubs are intended to offer easier access to family services and reduce pressure on parents.

Keep ReadingShow less