Paula J Horton

Far too many women have been on the receiving end of harassment, abuse and violence for far too long. With violence against women and girls declared a ‘National Emergency’, we need our male allies to stand up and call out troubling behaviour when they see it. #JustDont

Birmingham, the night of the count. Labour’s Jess Phillips is announced the winner on stage for Yardley. In an attempt to get a photo of the candidates on stage, am standing among a throng of men on the counting hall floor supporting the workers party candidate. They boo Jess, cat-call and chant the candidate’s name over and over as if it is a boxing match. They try to drown out her voice. It is ugly and it is shameful. As I extricate myself from the pack I shake my head in anger. There is nothing elegant in this brazen show of misogyny and bullishness. Shabana Mahmood gets the same treatment. Both women show defiance yet overall, it is an unpleasant, unnecessary and degrading experience. Elsewhere in Britain, post-election speeches were demonstrations of grace in defeat, and humility in success. As it should be. We aren’t tribal like America. We aren’t quick to protest like France. Sometimes we might admire the more direct approach of other countries. Yet I love our restraint. The passion is there. Reservoirs of it. But the speeches often follow unwritten protocols that show honour and valour almost to the point that the victor becomes indiscernible. Democracy is something to value and treasure. As Brits, I think we value it, although the disappointing turnout gives cause for concern. Isn’t it a prize that our individual vote counts every bit as much as the Prime Minister? Isn’t that fantastic? The workers party claimed to stand for Palestine. A cause I sympathise with, and one that deserves the attentions of the media. Hyped up and militant at 5am, it was clear that the main aim of the male group was to disabuse others of a respectful election. Particularly the female candidates. Jess shook hands with all candidates after the announcement. All except one. The workers party candidate refused her, which was received with cheers for him and jeers for Jess from his swarm of supporters. Surely a candidate standing on a single-issue platform, to improve conditions for Palestinian people, would appreciate the opportunity to build a bridge with his local MP. He could have used that opportunity to progress the cause. Suffragists fought hard for voting rights just over a hundred years ago. Anyone who values women’s rights should be concerned by activities that seek to block their access to democratic choice. There was overt and covert misogyny in this election. It needs investigating and fixing. If women don’t have voting rights, then we don’t have a democracy. @jessphillips @JaneRockHouse @5050Parliament @fawcettsociety @ShabanaMahmood @birminghamlive

@ARStone31 I think it is wrong wrong wrong to alter someone’s work retrospectively. Full stop. If you don’t agree with what is written talk about it and present your case but keep your hands off my words!!!

Your mouth? Don't speak of that, which makes me uncomfortable is what is truly being done here. Would it not anger tiu if someone took your work and altered it to fit what they want it to reflect?

Alright, I'm angry enough that I finally have to ask this question. How would you feel about the next generations taking your work and censoring it just because they didn't like what you wrote or agreed with your beliefs? I'm sorry, but isn't that effectively putting a hand over

@Kathbum Absolutely @Kathbum

He’d be paying for his own funeral. 💀

@JanRadovic Jan so sorry for this - sending you my love xx

Those of you who follow me regularly know I have a housebound pal whom I visit most weeks. We've been besties for 24 years. This morning I had a phone call that that pal died over the weekend, and I am heartbroken. His name was Urmy, and he was the best.

@Jennyjetharris @bradford2025 Delighted for you Jenny and couldn’t think of anyone better for that role xx

@Sharenaleesatti Fabulous Sharena! Proud of and for you xx

@zombiesatemyhw @stellduffy I agree with you both, but if everyone negates responsibility nothing moves forward - I also think education should start early. schools could facilitate conversations and education. Not be responsible for delivery they have enough to do already, but facilitate discussion.

@stellduffy @pjh012 I agree with you but how do we bridge the gap for those that don't know they don't know? They aren't going to educate themselves on something they've no idea is a problem/info they're missing

This is horrendous. Please read and retweet far and wide. This government is poisoning our waters.

@AndyBurnhamGM agreed!!! They need to go and go as soon as possible so they don’t destroy the country any further.

Absolutely not under any circumstances.

A woman is killed by a man every 3 days in the UK. Giving a huge platform to a man to fantasise about violence against a woman he wants to “parade naked through the streets” dangerously legitimises the violent thoughts of men all over the country.

@KathyBurke Mine too! They couldn’t get her off air fast enough! 😆 just verbalising what many of us think!

Miriam Margolyes makes my day again by saying “fuck you” on radio 4.

@MMargolyes I love you! Radio 4 just now - smashed it! So respectful of Robbie Coltrane and on the button about Jeremy Hunt!

@abdakhan5 Indeed x

@abdakhan5 @abdakhan5 so did me and my 18 yr old daughter! X

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