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MP harassment: ‘These are real threats’

The House of Commons will lose over 750 years of parliamentary experience with more than 50 incumbents preparing to stand down - and there may be more to come.

MP Heidi Allen has announced she will not stand at the next election because of "utterly dehumanising" abuse. Nicky Morgan, who is also standing down, added that the abuse MPs receive has "contributed" to her decision, although was not the "tipping point".

However, some like longest-serving MP Ken Clarke and Sir Winston Churchill's grandson Nicholas Soames, are retiring after decades of service.

Mark Urban speaks to Anna Soubry, Leader of The Independent Group for Change, Welsh Labour Deputy Leader Carolyn Harris, Mims Davies, the Conservative MP for Eastleigh- who is also standing down – and David Lidington, Conservative MP for Aylesbury.

Anna Soubry describes threatening letters and cards sent to her mother and partner as part of a campaign of abuse against the MP.

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Duration:

13 minutes