Threats against female MPs having ‘chilling effect’ on women in public life, minister says

Dan Jarvis said the threats, often aimed at women and ethnic minority representatives, impacted ‘who feels able to stan for public office’. Photograph: House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA

Threats against female MPs are having a “chilling effect” on talented women thinking of going into public life but deciding not to, security minister Dan Jarvis has said.

Warning that there was an “unprecedented” volume of threats against elected representatives – including assaults, vandalism, stalking and a “blizzard of online abuse” – Jarvis announced new security measures ahead of the local elections.