Dangerous abuse and threats towards MPs ‘have worsened since Jo Cox was murdered’

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Undated handout file photo issued by the Jo Cox Foundation of Jo Cox. A man has been arrested after Conservative MP Sir David Amess was reportedly stabbed several times at a surgery in his Southend West constituency on Friday. Issue date: Friday October 15, 2021. PA Photo. See PA story POLICE MP Incidents. Photo credit should read: Jo Cox Foundation/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.

DANGEROUS abuse and threats towards MPs have worsened since Jo Cox was murdered, the organisation established in her memory says.

The Jo Cox Foundation is launching a Commission for Civility in Public Life to tackle the alarming attacks.

Labour MP Jo Cox was brutally murdered by extremist Thomas Mair in 2016

It will be co-chaired by Tory Baroness Gabrielle Bertin and Labour’s Lord Vernon Coaker.

The panel will research the problems around MPs’ security and make recommendations.

The issue flared up in 2021 after Tory MP Sir David Amess was stabbed to death during a constituency surgery.

It followed the tragic murder of Ms Cox in 2016 by an extremist.

Former Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, who chairs the Jo Cox Foundation, said: “In 2016, many of us hoped that the tragedy of Jo’s murder would be a wake-up call.

“Almost seven years on, the problem appears to be worsening.

“At the Jo Cox Foundation we are determined to protect our democracy for future generations.

“Today we take a huge step forward with the launch of the Jo Cox Civility Commission.”