A senior Nationalist has warned of a “growing ugliness” in politics as MPs across Tayside and Fife looked to bolster security after Jo Cox’s killing.
Pete Wishart, the SNP’s Perthshire MP, said public figures are facing increasing levels of abuse on social media.
He is one of several MPs in the area who spoke to police yesterday to improve security around their constituency offices after the Labour MP and mum-of-two was killed outside her surgery in Yorkshire.
Mr Wishart told The Courier: “I am talking to police about security arrangements and to see if there is anything we can do to improve that.
“It’s not just for me, but my staff and the many constituents who come and see me.”
He added: “There is a growing ugliness in the political discourse particularly though social media.
“People think they can turn to social media and lambast others just because they are in a public position.
“I think we need to look at how we conduct political debate.”
Roger Mullin, the MP for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath, said he was in touch with police, but added he did not expect any impact on the face-to-face time he has with constituents after Mrs Cox’s death.
Stephen Gethins, who represents North East Fife, was expecting to see a police presence at his surgery.
He said: “The police are aware that we have a surgery, it is public knowledge. I did not see them but then I had a lot of constituents this morning.”
Asked if officers should be doing more to protect MPs, the SNP member suggested The Courier spoke to the police directly.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Police Scotland’s priority is to keep people safe.
“We do not comment on specific security arrangements or advice for individuals.”
