Veteran MP Harriet Harman said today some MPs are becoming scared to use public transport or hold drop-in constituency surgeries because of the growing threat of violence.
The Labour MP for Camberwell and Peckham said the Commons was at a “dangerous moment” with the public holding the “worst view” of Parliament she had ever known.
Ms Harman, who is the longest-serving female MP and running to replace John Bercow as Speaker, told Sky: “There is a growing minority who make threats and actually carry out violence.
"What is really sad to see is MPs are less likely to go out and about on the bus and train on their own as we always used to do, less likely to have advice surgeries where people can just drop in without an appointment.
"You can see MPs offices being daubed with threatening graffiti. That’s not the sort of country we are. It’s only a minority but they are dangerous.”
The former deputy leader of the Labour Party called for calm, adding: “We cannot be shouting, abusing and in conflict because that is dangerous for our Parliament and dangerous for our country.”
Her comments came after the constituency office of Labour MP Luke Pollard was vandalised with graffiti reading: “Die Blair”. The MP for Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport invited the culprit to meet with him to discuss their concerns. Police are investigating.
