Abuse and intimidation of candidates and the public during the General Election campaign

The debate follows Question Time (9.30am-10.30am) but may start later if there are any statements, urgent questions or emergency debates.

Summary

A debate on the same subject was scheduled to take place in Government time on Monday 17 July 2017. However, an emergency debate on the Scheduling of Parliamentary Business meant that the debate on the abuse and intimidation of candidates did not take place.

After the 2017 General Election several Members raised the problem of the abuse and threats of violence experienced by candidates during the campaign. During a Westminster Hall debate on the subject, held on 12 July 2017, many Members detailed their experiences of such abuse.

The Prime Minster has asked the Committee on Standards in Public Life to conduct a short review of the issue of intimidation experienced by Parliamentary candidates. In July it issued a call for evidence by 5 September 2017. On 14 September 2017 it held evidence sessions in Portcullis House. It will publish its report in due course.