Luton Borough Council

12/06/2024 - Police and council call for support in tackling online trolling and abuse

Luton Council is calling for support in tackling what is becoming an ever-growing problem – the online abuse of public officials, election candidates and their supporters.

The last couple of years has seen a concerning increase in abuse of public officials up and down the country, including here in Luton.

Two of the country’s politicians have been murdered in recent years - Jo Cox MP in June 2016 and Sir David Amess MP in October 2021.

A foundation was set up in Jo Cox’s honour to campaign for respectful politics and the council is throwing its support behind their latest campaign, which urges all parliamentary candidates to take the Civility Pledge and share their commitment to a respectful election campaign: Jo Cox Foundation Civility Pledge

Adam Divney, the council’s service director for citizen engagement and legal services said: “We have been concerned over the recent targeting of public officials online. Robust debate and scrutiny are vital parts of democracy, but abuse and intimidation absolutely are not.

“The council, candidates, agents, parties, our partners, and community and faith leaders all have a shared leadership responsibility to set a collective example as to the culture of legitimate debate we all share.

“This includes an expectation that we won’t condone or accept any abusive and intimidating messaging, and that we will actively and jointly call it out whenever and to whomever it occurs as part of our commitment to ensure Luton is ‘no place for hate’.

“This is why we are supporting the Jo Cox Foundation Civility Pledge and have asked all parliamentary candidates standing in Luton constituencies to share the pledge with their supporters and followers on 18 June as part of the UN’s International Day in Countering Hate Speech.”

One of the concerning patterns in recent trolling and abuse of public officials, candidates and their supporters is the rise in the number of anonymous and fake accounts being set up, seemingly for the sole purpose of abusing people online.

The council is therefore joining voices from across the country urging social media companies to do more to stop this pattern of behaviour which has no place in our democracy.

We are also working closely with Bedfordshire Police to monitor any abuse and identify the offenders behind the social media accounts specifically set up to target people.

Chief Inspector Mark Farrant leads operational planning around elections: "In the days and weeks running up to the General Election, Bedfordshire Police continues to work very closely with local authorities to maintain the democratic process whilst maximising the safety of candidates, campaign staff and other politicians who may be visiting the county.

“This includes ensuring that any reports of hate crime related to the election, whether in person or online, are taken seriously and are thoroughly investigated. Abuse of any kind is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.

"Officers are continuing to monitor intelligence and online activity to identify community tensions or concerns, as well as putting plans in place to ensure that polling day and electoral counts run safely and as smoothly as possible."

Prof Zafar Khan, Chair of the Luton Council of Faiths added: “We fully endorse the Jo Cox Foundation's work in nurturing stronger communities, championing respect in politics, and advocating for a fairer world, for all.

“Luton's faith communities have always appreciated the strength that comes from being united in concern and respect for one another rather than divided by prejudice and hate. We encourage everyone to treat others, as we would like others to treat us.”

Anyone who believes they are a victim of or witnesses a hate crime or incident – in person or online – should report it to the police either online, by calling 101 (24/7) or by visiting a police station.