The justice minister for the UK, Mike Freer, has announced that he will not be contesting the next general election. The decision to step down came after several death threats and an arson attack on his constituency office. Mr. Freer barely escaped death by the actions of Ali Harbi Ali, who went on to murder Southend West MP Sir David Amess.
Representing Finchley and Golders Green in North London since 2010, Mr. Freer stated that he could no longer risk his family’s safety. The minister had to wear stab vests when attending public events after Ali watched his office before going on to knife Sir David to death during a constituency surgery in 2021. Antisemitism was a prevalent factor in the intimidation, as the MP has pro-Israel views and represents a heavily Jewish constituency.
The Conservative MP who won his seat with about 6,600 votes at the 2019 General Election remarked that it will be difficult to step down, but the attacks had weighed on him and his husband, Angelo. Mr. Freer is joining a series of MPs who have announced their intention not to contest the next election, which is expected later this year.
Responding to the news, Labour’s candidate for his constituency, Sarah Sackman, said she was shocked by the decision. Former Tory minister Sir Conor Burns commented that the drip of hate and cynicism will drive more people out of politics. Mr. Freer had tried to make light of the threats but remained aware that he could have lost his life. In his letter to the local Conservative association, he highlighted the need for the party to reflect on protecting those who enter public life
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