Attacks on UK MPs while in office

The murder of Labour MP Jo Cox has sent shockwaves through the UK and its political system. The mother of two was known in her capacity as MP for Batley and Spen as a compassionate and well-respected politician who campaigned for the government to accept more child refugees from Syria and was actively involved in the Remain campaign for the upcoming EU referendum.

Unfortunately, this is not the first serious attack on a UK MP. The chart below illustrates just how vulnerable the position can be - since 1979 there have now been six fatal attacks on MPs as well as two attempted murders. A survey of UK MPs conducted last year revealed that one in five have been attacked or been subject to an attempted attack while 81 percent have experienced aggressive or intrusive behaviour while in office.