18 women MPs won't stand in next British elections over abuse

A total of 18 women Parliamentarians in Britain are reportedly not seeking election due to abuse threats and a culture of intimidation. The women are included in the 50 members of Parliament who have said they will not stand in the December 12 election. Women’s rights activists in Britain worry that this climate could discourage women from entering national politics. In the last elections, female lawmakers in the House of Commons rose to an all-time high of attaining 32 per cent of the seats. The activists also claim that an increasingly bitter political climate surrounding Brexit has fueled the flames as did recent remarks by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on the treatment of female lawmakers.

Read: Donald Trump Wants Johnson And Farage To Work Together On Brexit

"I am exhausted by the invasion into my privacy and the nastiness and intimidation that has become commonplace. Nobody in any job should have to put up with threats, aggressive emails, being shouted at in the street, sworn at on social media, nor have to install panic alarms at home" said Heidi Allen, a member of Parliament, wrote in a detailed letter to her constituents explaining why she will not be on the ballot. 

Read: Brexit: Johnson Apologizes To Tory Members For Extending Deadline

Johnson's denial led women parliamentarians to report to Meghan Markle

On the other hand, Prime Minister Boris Johnson had denied the threats of violence calling it a "humbug" during a parliamentary debate in September. Johnson's remarks were heavily criticized by other parliamentarians, activists, and public at large. The British Prime Ministers' reactions led back then led 72 female members of Parliament to sign a letter of solidarity to Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, who herself has spoken about the difficulty of public life in Britain.

Read: Farage Tells Johnson: Drop Brexit Deal And I’ll Help You Win

"Although we find ourselves being women in public life in a very different way to you, we share an understanding of the abuse and intimidation which is now so often used as a means of disparaging women in public office from getting on with our very important work, "read the letter.

(With inputs from ANI)

Read: UK’s Brexit Deal Estimated To Cost Almost $100 Billion