A Liverpool MP has reported receiving a 'possible threat to life' aimed at himself, his family and his office staff.
Ian Byrne, the Labour MP for Liverpool West Derby, has released a statement about the the horrifying threats from what he described as a 'far right extremist'. He said he was contacted about the threat in June.
Mr Byrne said: "A far right extremist who had been posting vile threats to the Jewish community on extremist websites had also posted comments about the murder of Sir David Amess MP, saying he would not be the last MP to die. The individual was then photographed outside my office in West Derby."
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In his statement, Mr Byrne gave 'sincere thanks', to the organisations from the Jewish community, who he said flagged the threat to him. He also thanked the counter-terrorism unit in Parliament, adding: "Their support has been excellent throughout this worrying episode, as has that of Merseyside Police who have offered security guidance to help assuage very real fears."
The West Derby MP said his office will once again commence face-to-face surgeries from September onwards, adding that the security of his team must be paramount and that previous procedures will now have to change.
He added: "Once again thank you to all involved in supporting myself, my family and staff during a difficult time. This is a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by all who work in the public eye for a society free from division and hate."
A huge amount of support has poured in for Mr Byrne online. Fellow Labour MP Dawn Butler, who has faced similar threats, said: "Solidarity to you Ian. You are an excellent MP." Jarrow MP Kate Osborne added: "I’m so sorry to hear that you’ve had to deal with this. My best wishes and solidarity go to you, your team and your family Ian."
Mr Byrne has been the Labour MP for West Derby since the 2019 General Election. He was already well known around Liverpool and beyond as the co-founder of the Fans Supporting Foodbanks project and has used his time in office to lead the campaign for a legal right to food for those in poverty.
He is currently facing a vote to be reselected as the Labour candidate for the seat in the next General Election and has recently raised concerns about the legitimacy of that selection process.
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