Priti Patel and Nicky Morgan are among ministers who have urged social media sites to prevent ‘intimidation and abuse’ during election
- Ministers openly wrote to the chiefs of Facebook, Twitter and Google platforms
- They said that a ‘robust debate’ should not ‘mutate’ into abuse directed at MPs
- Number of outgoing MPs blamed abuse on social media for their decision to quit
Home Secretary Priti Patel (pictured) was among the ministers who urged social media channels to take action
Ministers have urged social media companies to prevent ‘intimidation, harassment and abuse’ during the election.
Home Secretary Priti Patel, Culture Secretary Nicky Morgan and Cabinet Office minister Oliver Dowden wrote to the chiefs of Facebook, Twitter and Google.
They said ‘robust debate’ should not ‘mutate’ into abuse.
‘Freedom of speech is a fundamental tenet of British democracy, and this includes the freedom to speak without being threatened or abused,’ they said.
‘We must tackle this worrying trend of abuse of people in public life and that certain groups are not deterred from standing or speaking freely because they fear for their safety.’
The ministers add in their letter: ‘You will be aware that a number of MPs have also identified the online abuse and threats they receive as a particular concern as we approach another electoral event.’
Culture Secretary Nicky Morgan and Cabinet Office minister Oliver Dowden were also involved in writing to social media companies. Ms Morgan was one outgoing MP to have blamed abuse on social media for her decision to quit
A number of outgoing MPs have blamed abuse on social media for their decision to quit, including Ms Morgan.
Other affected MPs who cited online abuse as a reason to stand down include former Labour MP Louise Ellman, and Tory MPs Sarah Newton and Margot James.
The ministers said police were contacting candidates to encourage them to file complaints about any safety concerns or threats.
The ministers wrote to the chiefs of Facebook, Twitter and Google and urged them to speak to police and electoral authorities about the risks to parliamentary candidates (stock image)
They urged social media companies to produce advice for candidates, send out guidance to political parties on reporting and share information.
The ministers also called for the companies to speak to police and electoral authorities about the risks to parliamentary candidates.
They concluded: ‘Protecting our democracy and ensuring this election is fought fairly and safely is all our responsibilities.’