Mike Freer, who has served as the MP for Finchley and Golders Green since 2010 has decided not to stand in the next election following a series of abuse and death threats stating that ‘the level of risk has become too much’.
He highlighted the impact that the abuse and threats had, had on his family stating that ‘when they see you going out to do some part of your job in a stab vest…it really wasn’t fair on them’.
Mike Freer announced his plan to leave in the House of Commons on Wednesday, saying an arson attack on his constituency office in North London was the final straw.
The MP said the difficulty with the threats was that ‘you never know what could happen next’. He also described run-ins he had with the banned Islamist radical group Muslims Against Crusades - including the time when some of its members broke into his office and protested outside.
He claimed that both their offices and homes had been turned into fortresses. Furthermore, he also highlighted the impact social media was having ‘if you complain to social media, nothing seems to happen and that’s the bit we need to address - not just give more and more security, but actually stop people either being radicalised or being given the green light to feel they have got open season on their public services.’
Politicians from both sides have rallied to support Freer, arguing that abuse and death threats continues to be a significant issue and no one should be intimidated out their job nor a democratically elected role.
The story highlights some of the darker sides of being a politician, as well as the challenges the role can bring to individuals and their families. Regardless of ideology and party politicians are democratically elected and should be able to fulfil their role without fear of harm nor intimidation.
Pictured below is MP Mike Freers’ office following the Christmas Eve Arson attack.
