Bridget Phillipson defends decision to turn off social media comments as concerns for MPs' safety grows
MP Sharon Hodgson has also removed herself from certain social media channels due to threats made towards female politicians
Houghton and Sunderland South MP Bridget Phillipson has responded to criticism from her constituents about a decision to disable comments on her Facebook page.
The politician has also been criticised by Echo readers following stories featuring the former education secretary, with readers saying they are unhappy they are not able to engage with the MP due to comments being prohibited.
Mrs Phillipson has responded to the criticism by citing a history of being subjected to online abuse and trolling.
In a post on her Facebook page, she said: “I have received enquiries asking why people cannot comment on my Facebook posts.
“I use this page to share updates with constituents about my work representing Houghton and Sunderland South, and my previous role as Secretary of State for Education.
“Unfortunately, the volume of abusive and misleading comments, including the use of foul language, increasingly from bots and fake profiles, made it impossible to maintain a constructive space for everyone.”
The Sunderland MP went on to thank her constituents for their “understanding” as well as citing the different ways she can be contacted by members of the public.
Mrs Phillipson is no stranger to abuse and threats from constituents. In January 2020 Colin Brown, who was then 49, pleaded guilty to making death threats against her in May 2019.
He made the threat to kill the MP to a doctor at Hopewood Park Hospital in Ryhope, where he was a patient at the time, "intending the doctor to fear the threat would be carried out".
The safety and security of MPs has been a topic of national discussion in recent weeks following the shocking death of former MP and Reform UK Party spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe, with Joshua Kerry, 28, from South Yorkshire, subsequently charged with her murder.
Washington MP Sharon Hodgson has deactivated her Facebook account and no longer uses her X account to communicate with her constituents.
In her final post on her X account, Ms Hodgson said: “Unfortunately, due to a lack of moderation on X and the threats made towards politicians, this account will no longer be updated.”
The safety and security of MPs and politicians has once again risen to prominence and been debated in the House of Commons in recent weeks.
Ms Hodgson feels the risk of online abuse and personal threats is an even greater concern for female politicians. In September (2025) Ms Hodgson’s Washington based office was targeted by a suspected arson attack.
Speaking about the risk of threats and abuse, the Washington MP said: “Abuse and intimidation towards politicians have sadly become commonplace. We know that women politicians are more likely to receive abuse and that this increases more so when race and sexuality are brought into the equation too.
“I’m acutely aware of the abuse and violence we face as women in politics. Democratically elected politicians should always be expected to face debate, criticism and disagreement on areas of policy. However, we should never normalise abuse, intimidation or threats of violence.
“Recent weeks have been a stark reminder of where escalating abuse and rhetoric can lead. The loss of Ann Widdecombe was a tragedy alongside the loss of our friends Sir David Amess and Jo Cox. It should not take the loss of any more colleagues and friends to ensure the safety of our politics.”
Former Conservative Justice Secretary Sir Robert Buckland is currently leading a review looking at the safety and security of MPs following the murder of MP Sir David Amess in 2021, who was stabbed multiple times.
Mrs Phillipson stressed she was keen to hear from her constituents who “can contact me to raise any concerns directly”.
The MP also reminded constituents that they could reach out to her by filling out a form on the Labour Party website, and they would continue to be invited to respond to her regular postal and online surveys. Mrs Phillipson is also able to meet people in person at any of her regular community events.
Other methods of contacting the MP can also be found on Mrs Phillipson’s page on the Labour Party website.
Ms Hodgson’s last post on her X account confirmed she can be contacted by her constituents via email or her Bluesky social media account.