Dancing mp faces death threats: is this british politics' new low?
The simple act of enjoying a silent disco—and singing along to Robyn—has triggered a torrent of abuse and threats against Labour MP Stella Creasy, highlighting a disturbing trend in British politics: the weaponization of online rage and the targeting of public figures. What began as a lighthearted social media post celebrating a Saturday night in her constituency has morphed into a full-blown character assassination campaign, fueled by political opponents and amplified by platforms like GB News.
The escalation of online vitriol
The attacks against Creasy, which include death threats and vile commentary on her appearance, are not isolated incidents. They are symptomatic of a broader erosion of civility in public discourse, where disagreement is increasingly equated with personal disgrace. The ease with which individuals are targeted and demonized online has created a climate of fear, discouraging participation and disproportionately impacting women and people of color.
The core issue isn't simply about an MP dancing; it’s a deliberate strategy to drown out dissenting voices through character assassination. We’ve seen this pattern emerge before—the public shaming of politicians has a long history—but the current intensity and the willingness of some to embrace aggression are unprecedented. Consider the recent accusations, for example, where individuals like Zack Polanski publicly questioned Creasy’s patriotism, while Tommy Robinson labeled her a traitor for disagreeing with their views. This isn’t robust debate; it’s a calculated assault.
A climate of fear grips parliament
The reality is stark: abuse and violence towards politicians are at an all-time high. MPs routinely share harrowing stories of criminal proceedings against harassers, attacks on their offices, and poison-pen letters. Just in the past few weeks, three of Creasy’s colleagues have endured abuse and harassment within their own constituencies. Parliamentary security is now focused on distancing MPs from potential harm, often requiring them to be separated from their constituents at public events—a grim reminder that those who serve the public are now viewed as targets.
The underlying driver? A pervasive sense of frustration and fear about the future. Data from More in Common reveals that a staggering 44% of women and 38% of men believe Britain’s political and social institutions should be “burned” rather than preserved. With a prolonged cost of living crisis and geopolitical uncertainty looming large, it’s easy to see why those who offer simplistic scapegoating solutions are gaining traction. This mirrors what some are calling the “MrBeastification” of British politics – a strategy of short-form outrage and viral negativity designed to capture attention, regardless of the cost.
The problem isn’t just online; it bleeds into the real world. Elon Musk’s stewardship of X (formerly Twitter) has demonstrably amplified conservative viewpoints and demoted alternative perspectives, fostering a more hostile environment for public debate. This normalization of online aggression creates an expectation that politicians “deserve” the abuse they receive—a dangerous precedent for a functioning democracy.
Creasy’s recent birthday celebration, culminating in a deeply offensive image portraying her as a Nazi, underscores the absurdity of the attacks. It’s a chilling realization for many: only those comfortable with constant conflict or already immersed in the 24/7 political grind seem willing to enter the arena. Unless we address the culture that breeds this hatred, more than just dancing will be off-limits for those seeking public office.