Business of the House

Sam Rushworth Excerpts

Thursday 12th December 2024 Commons Chamber

[Lucy Powell]

My hon. Friend will know that the Government are committed to the global oceans treaty, and we are an international leader on climate and nature. The Foreign Secretary is committed to ensuring that we ratify the treaty, and I will ensure that an update is given to the House in due course.

[Sam Rushworth (Bishop Auckland) (Lab)]

Parties with Members elected to this place should uphold the British values of tolerance and respect, but many constituents have contacted me to express alarm about the way that local officers of the Reform party in County Durham are harassing and smearing local charities and town councillors, and are using their social media platforms to promote hatred, Islamophobia and misogyny. No other party in this place would accept such behaviour; they would chuck those people out and ensure that they do not stand as candidates. Could the Leader of the House advise me on what we can do to ensure increased civility in public life?

[Lucy Powell]

I am incredibly sorry and disappointed to hear of the harassment being perpetrated against elected officials in my hon. Friend’s constituency, and the whole House will have heard his calls. I hope the leadership of Reform and other parties that may be carrying out such harassment will hear his question and take action against those thugs, because we need to defend democracy and our elected representatives at all costs.