It’s not been a quiet news week. From Israel’s strikes in Qatar to Russian drones appearing in Polish airspace to the increasing scrutiny of Donald Trump over Jeffrey Epstein – and the sacking of UK ambassador to the US, Peter Mandelson over his links to the paedophile – there’s been no let up. In the last 24 hours, the theme of political violence has dominated the news too. The death of political activist and Trump ally Charlie Kirk has shocked people across the world, after he was shot during an event at Utah Valley University last night. And today, closer to home, a Labour MP awoke to find her constituency office had been extensively damaged in a suspected arson attack.
Police are investigating a targeted attack on Washington and Gateshead MP Sharon Hodgson’s office in Washington, Tyne and Wear after the space burnt out with the building’s roof destroyed by fire. Alongside the extensive damage to the building, investigators found graffiti sprawled on the side of the building which read: ‘328 days blood on your hands.’ In a statement, the northern MP’s spokesperson added:
An incident occurred overnight at Sharon’s office. We will not be commenting or speculating while there is an ongoing police investigation; what we are clear on is there is no place for this kind of violence in our society. Sharon will not be deterred and will continue to support her constituents in Washington and Gateshead South as she does day in, day out. Constituents should get in touch with their issues by emailing in the usual way.
The incident was raised in the House of Commons this morning by Hodgson’s colleague Andy McDonald. Responding, Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty remarked:
I think particularly in light of international events, and the tragic loss of colleagues, this all the more underlines why we must have security and safety to go about democratic debate in this country, whatever our views, in a safe and secure way.
Quite.
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