Region's MPs cautious about calls for tighter security

However, politicians in Shropshire and Mid Wales reacted cautiously to calls for tighter security, saying people must be allowed to make legitimate protests.

Glyn Davies, MP for Montgomeryshire, said there had been a notable increase in abuse and intimidation directed at politicians in recent years. But he said it was something MPs had to live with in a free society.

"I don't think you can protect MPs from that sort of thing," he said.

"There's no doubt the level of shouting and intimidation has increased, I'm certainly more aware of it when I'm outside of parliament."

Mr Davies, a Brexit supporter, said he had been subject to abuse from Remain campaigners.

"They are very intimidating, and I can understand why anyone would be concerned. But I can't see how you stop that in a free society. I don't want to have security around me all the time. It's just the price you have to pay for the job."

Mark Pritchard, MP for The Wrekin, said: "To be fair to the police, they have a difficult job in allowing robust freedom of speech, but at the same times stopping behaviour that widens into harassment and intimidation.

"Public order legislation is sufficient for such matters."

Daniel Kawczynski, MP for Shrewsbury and Atcham, blamed groups such as Momentum for creating a climate of intolerance and hostility towards differences of opinion. But he said it was important that MPs were accessible to the public, and should not be shielded by excessive security.

"A healthy balance has to be struck between protecting Members of Parliament and making sure they are accessible to people who want to protest."

Mr Kawczynski said all forms of extremism were unpleasant, and said it was important that everybody showed respect to their opponents.

"Having different views is the most fundamental ingredient of a functioning democratic process, and it's as if these people want to shut down any form of debate," he said.

"I feel we are very well protected in the House of Commons, and I would like to pay tribute to the dedication of the police men and women who keep us safe. I think about the young policeman in his mid-40s who was killed outside the House of Commons last year."

Mr Kawczynski said the security of MPs was subject to regular review, and he had no reason to complain.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed it was investigating the abuse against Miss Soubry after more than 50 MPs called for protection.

Protesters could be heard chanting 'Soubry is a Nazi' while the Nottinghamsshire Tory MP was interviewed on College Green outside the Commons.

The MP, who presented the rowdy debating show Central Weekend before becoming an MP, said the behaviour of the men who surrounded her yesterday was totally unacceptable.

"I’m told that we should get used to it, but we shouldn’t have to," she said.

"Apparently it’s democracy in action and the Crown Prosecution Service believe that no offences are being committed.

“I just think this is astonishing, this is what has happened to our country.

"I don’t have a problem with people demonstrating and making their views heard. I have a real problem with people who call me a traitor or ‘Soubry, you Nazi’."