One of the unfortunate realities of modern politics is the rise of abusive comments and behaviour. Robust political debate is to be welcomed and politicians must be prepared to face their constituents.
But what is not acceptable is when the line is crossed into criminal and threatening behaviour. Labour MSP Monica Lennon has today bravely revealed how she was the victim of a disgusting attack on the general election campaign trail.
She was helping her party in Hamilton when a woman walked up to her, uttered a sexual remark and licked her neck. The woman pled guilty to threatening or abusive behaviour and her sentencing is scheduled for next month.
Lennon is a campaigning politician who makes herself accessible to members of the public every day. But politics is damaged when dangerous people behave this way because MPs and MSPs worry about their safety.
They are more likely to do virtual surgeries if they feel at risk. A recent study of female MSPs revealed the sickening online abuse by trolls. Social media is a sewer and the toxic comments directed at women in politics are a disgrace.
Two MPs, including Jo Cox, have been murdered and there is growing unease about safety. Lennon is correct to say political parties must step up and improve safety on the campaign trail.
Abuse must never be tolerated or become normalised. Female politicians are disproportionately at risk and there should be a zero tolerance approach to vile behaviour.
Just the ticket to stub out touts
The Scottish Government’s move to crack down on touts when the Euros come to Scotland in three years’ time is welcome. It is right that the sale of tickets for profit will be banned both online and in person via a new Bill.
Fans fork out their hard-earned cash for tickets and deserve to see one of the world’s biggest sporting events. They should not be taken advantage of by chancers who want to make money at the expense of others.
And it is right that Scottish courts will be able to slap huge fines on those who keep trying to sell on tickets for profit. The Record has long campaigned for a cap on resale ticket prices with our Stub Out the Touts campaign.
It is good to hear that the right noises are being made by the authorities. MSPs should pass the Bill and protect football supporters from exploitation at Euro 2028.