Gay MP Mike Freer to Step Down Over Safety Fears After Arson Attack and Death Threats
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Conservative MP Mike Freer has made the difficult decision to step down at the next general election due to safety concerns following an arson attack on his constituency office and receiving death threats. Freer, who is gay, has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has faced intense hostility and threats because of his stance.
Freer, who has served as the MP for Finchley and Golders Green since 2010, has been a target of death threats and violence for years. In 2013, he publicly came out as gay during a parliamentary debate on marriage equality, delivering a moving speech that earned him a PinkNews Award. He has been an active campaigner for LGBTQ+ rights throughout his time in parliament.
The threats against Freer have escalated in recent years, culminating in an arson attack on his constituency office last December. This incident, combined with ongoing death threats, has forced him to seriously consider his safety and the impact it could have on his life. Freer revealed that he and his staff began wearing stab vests at public events after learning that Ali Harbi Ali, the man who murdered MP Sir David Amess in 2021, had watched his Finchley office before the attack on Amess.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Freer expressed his concerns about the threats he has faced. He said, “There comes a point when the threats to your personal safety become too much.” He added that he was fortunate to have changed his plans on the day of Ali’s attack on Amess, or he may have been the intended target. The fact that Ali specifically came to Finchley to attack him is a chilling reminder of the danger he has faced.
Freer also spoke about other threats he has received from a group calling themselves Muslims Against Crusades. He shared that they had threatened to stab him and that he had found mock Molotov cocktails on the steps of his office. These incidents have only intensified his concerns for his safety and well-being.
The decision to step down as an MP is not one that Freer has taken lightly. He won his seat with a majority of just over 6,500 in 2019 and was appointed as an equalities minister in 2021. However, he resigned from this position the following year, citing the “atmosphere of hostility for LGBT+ people” created by the government under former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Throughout his time in parliament, Freer has been a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. He has championed various causes, including advocating for gay male teenagers to be offered the HPV vaccination and challenging NHS England on its decision not to fund HIV-preventing PrEP drugs. His commitment to equality and inclusivity has earned him recognition, including a second PinkNews Award in 2016 for “Member of the Year.”
Freer’s decision to step down adds him to the growing list of MPs who have announced that they will not be standing at the next general election. While the exact date of the election is yet to be confirmed, it is expected to take place later this year. The loss of Freer’s voice and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights will undoubtedly be felt, but his safety and well-being must be prioritized.
In a time where political discourse can be toxic and threats against public figures are on the rise, it is crucial that steps are taken to ensure the safety of those who dedicate themselves to public service. Freer’s experience highlights the urgent need for increased security measures and support for politicians who face threats and violence simply for expressing their beliefs and advocating for human rights.
As Freer steps away from politics, it is essential that his work and dedication to LGBTQ+ rights continue to inspire others. His bravery in the face of adversity serves as a reminder that the fight for equality is ongoing and that those who stand up for what they believe in should never be silenced or threatened.
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“Mike Freer safety concerns”
