“We were shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the death of Sir David Amess. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues at this distressing time.

“The attack on Sir David demonstrates how important it is that we build a society free from hate, fear, and hostility. This appalling event must become a line in the sand - a point from which politics changes for good.

“We urge the Members of Parliament who have, since Sir David’s murder, spoken with such compassion and warmth about their colleague to always act in that same spirit whether it be in addressing one another or the public at-large. What kind of message must the public receive when they see politicians boo, jeer, and holler at one another during Prime Minister’s Question Time? That kind of behaviour would not be accepted in any other workplace and it has no place in our democracy. It’s time we banned brutish behaviour in the Commons and embedded a form of debate based on listening, respect, and cooperation.

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The public value freedom from abuse more than freedom of speech, major new research into the future of social media and online communications can reveal.

The polling, which was conducted by Opinium with Compassion in Politics and a number of other civil society organisations, found that 2 in 3 (60%) believe the government’s new Online Safety Bill should focus on protecting people from abuse rather than fixating on freedom of speech.

The research also showed that the public believe the government needs to be much bolder in addressing the problems of abuse and misinformation online. 

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72% of people who have experienced online abuse believe they were targeted by anonymous or false accounts, our polling can reveal.

The research, carried out by Opinium with Compassion in Politics, also found that 1 in 3 (38%) have seen “fake news” posts or extremist content shared by anonymous accounts.

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Over half of the candidates (58%) in May’s local elections say they experienced or witnessed abusive language or lies from an opposition candidate, our research can reveal.

The research found that nearly half (46%) of candidates believe one of their opposite numbers lied or misrepresented facts during the election campaign. 

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This year nations gather for the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP) - the most significant international meeting of countries to determine and coordinate policies against climate breakdown. With the world gradually emerging from the Covid pandemic this presents a unique opportunity to reshape our economies to protect the planet and promote human flourishing and prosperity. 

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Forty of the country’s leading psychologists have written to the government urging them to offer compassion training and therapy to pupils and teachers as part of the education “catch-up” plan (see full letter below).

The letter states that there are “innumerable mental challenges to be navigated if we are to bring children and teachers back into a school environment and ensure that their education has not and will not suffer because of Covid.”

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