MP abuse is 'threat to democracy' - minister

HARASSMENT and intimidation is a "serious threat to democracy", Home Office minister Dan Jarvis has said as he set out how threats against politicians will be tackled.

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Mr Jarvis said MPs, councillors and candidates are subject to a "blizzard" of online abuse. He said the problem disproportionately affects women and those from ethnic minority backgrounds.

The government has appointed a deputy chief constable from Cambridgeshire Police, Chris Balmer, as the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) lead for defending democracy.

Mr Jarvis, who is responsible for security policy, said a new "threat assessment centre" will support Operation Ford, a security initiative to protect MPs, regional mayors and councillors. It will be active ahead of local elections in May. The centre will centralise intelligence for incidents which target candidates.