Brandon Lewis Calls for Respect
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After receiving what can only be described as a good and thorough online roasting during last year’s snap election, it’s no wonder the Tories are looking to get the Labour Party to sign a ‘Respect Pledge’.
New Conservative Chairman Brandon Lewis has urged Labour to sign up to set of guidelines that could see party members suspended if they do not behave respectfully towards their rivals. Members will still be allowed to confront each other and argue but the line is drawn at insults and abuse.
It is still unclear whether or not Jeremy Corbyn will agree to the guidelines but it may be in his best interest to do so. Last year, Labour’s Diane Abbott received horrific abuse online after her disastrous interview on LBC radio and was ridiculed by Conservative Party members as well as the general public.
Having a set of guidelines which candidates agree to abide by with the threat of suspension could have helped to reduce the amount of abuse Abbott received. Party candidates who send abuse to other candidates don’t set a good example to other Internet users, who may begin to feel it is acceptable to insult politicians online.
Politics is a hostile field and you need a thick skin. However no one should be expected to deal with abuse and threats; there is always room for more respect in Westminster.