A Labour MP has said he will not be cowed after his home was attacked with a sledgehammer.
Andrew Western, who represents Stretford and Urmston in Greater Manchester, warned that “toxicity” in politics “must be drawn out”.
Revealing details of the terrifying attack on social media, he wrote: “Last night there was an incident at my home that is being investigated by police. I am absolutely fine and no one was hurt but the toxicity in our politics at present must be drawn out. The harassment, intimidation and abuse of politicians is not ok and is not normal. That said it is becoming an ever more regular occurrence.”
He added: “I am proud to represent the people of Stretford and Urmston and I will not be cowed as I seek to serve them to the best of my ability. I want to thank Greater Manchester Police for an excellent response and say that these idiots do not speak for our community and I will do all I can to ensure they never do.”
After another X user told Mr Western to “grow up”, he replied: “I’ll tell you that when someone takes a sledgehammer to your property. Precisely the sort of response that made me think twice. Eventually people will realise what MPs are having to put up with ever more routinely.”
Concerns have been raised about the safety of MPs following the murders of Jo Cox and Sir David Amess.
Mr Western was first elected to the Commons in a by-election in 2022. In last week’s General Election, he was re-elected with a majority of 16,150 votes.
MPs will return to Westminster on Tuesday where they will elect a Commons Speaker and begin the process of swearing in, before the King formally opens Parliament on July 17. The Government is expected to make early announcements on housebuilding, as well as how it intends to tackle the crisis in prisons before the Commons rises for a shortened summer break at the end of the month.