WARRINGTON South MP Faisal Rashid says abuse has ‘no place’ in the political system.

Labour’s Mr Rashid believes elected politicians should always expect to be held to account in ‘robust’ and ‘often impassioned’ public debate – but insists they should ‘never live in fear’ of abuse and violence.

On Friday, he added: “This week marks the two-year anniversary of a cowardly terror attack on Westminster, which claimed the lives of four innocent British civilians and PC Keith Palmer.

“Reflecting on this dark day in our Parliament’s history, we must come together to insist on banishing all forms of violence and intimidation from our political system.

“Disagreement and debate are an integral part of a healthy democracy. Abuse is not.

“It has no place in our political system and no place in our society.

“Over the past few weeks, many of my colleagues have been subject to abuse and intimidation.

“MPs have since been advised to take ‘simple steps’ to ensure their safety, such as travelling home by taxi or with colleagues.

“These are not the symptoms of a healthy political atmosphere.

“Despite our political differences, in the coming weeks we must be united in our rejection of the politics of fear and intimidation.”