Rise of trolling 'damages political debate', says MP

MP Lizzi Collinge spoke of the challenges of she and her staff face from online trolls

A new MP has spoken about the challenges she and her staff face managing a "torrent of abuse" online.

Lizzi Collinge, whose Morecambe and Lunesdale constituency straddles the Cumbria and Lancashire border, said the rise of online trolling was damaging political debate.

The MP, who was elected in July, told the BBC, members of her constituency staff were learning how to cope with significant trolling on social media.

"Instead of having reasoned debates... what we get is people shouting and throwing bricks," she said.

In recent weeks, courts across the country have been dealing with the aftermath of disorder in various cities in early August, with much of that violence incited online.

As part of a BBC Radio Cumbria series looking at issues affecting women in politics, Collinge said her new staff had already had to deal with many challenges.

"In particular, my new communications officer has had to deal with a torrent of abuse on social media," she said.

The MP said she and her staff were looking at how to protect their mental health and well-being against such online attacks.

Collinge said while there had also been "lovely and supportive messages", she wished people thought before posting online.

"What I really wish people would remember is that people on the other side of their screen are, indeed, real people," she said.