Natalie Fleet, a Labour MP for Bolsover, has reacted strongly to a disturbing Facebook post shared by Simon Evans, a Reform UK councillor and deputy leader of Lancashire council. The post included a picture of Fleet along with a fake quote attributed to her, stating that she voted against an inquiry into grooming gangs, followed by a comment suggesting she should be shot. Fleet, who has openly discussed her past experiences of being groomed and raped, expressed concern that such abusive rhetoric is becoming commonplace in politics, which could deter women from pursuing political careers.

In her response, Fleet emphasized that while she has grown somewhat desensitized to these threats, the emotional toll such posts take on her family remains significant. She articulated the heavy burden that public figures face, especially women, in navigating social media threats. Fleet remarked that many politicians shouldn’t have to endure death threats as a regular part of their job, highlighting the dangerous climate that has developed around political discourse.

The incident raises broader questions about the treatment of politicians, particularly women, in the current political climate. Fleet's comments reflect a growing concern among lawmakers about the impact of social media on political dialogue and the normalization of aggressive behavior. As discussions about online harassment and the safety of public figures intensify, the need for stronger safeguards and a cultural shift in online communications becomes increasingly urgent.