A WINCHESTER councillor has spoken about the importance of a campaign which highlights the abuse councillors receive.

In January, Winchester City Council agreed to support the Debate Not Hate campaign, which was launched by the Local Government Association (LGA) last year.

Cllr Caroline Horrill, leader of the Conservative group on the council, brought the campaign forward and emphasised its importance. 

Cllr Horrill said: “The Local Government Association is leading a campaign which the Winchester Conservative councillor group have promoted in the district.

“We know as councillors and candidates debating and disagreeing with one another is a healthy part of democracy, but abuse and intimidation crosses the line into dangerous territory. The right engagement really matters.

READ MORE: Winchester City Council supports Debate not Hate campaign

“In research conducted by the LGA last year seven in 10 councillors reported experiencing abuse or intimidation.

“Anyone, regardless of their background or political affiliation, should feel safe to become a councillor and be proud to represent their community. But the increasing level of abuse and intimidation aimed at local politicians is preventing elected members from representing the communities they serve, deterring individuals from standing for election and undermining local democracy. 

“The Debate Not Hate campaign aims to raise public awareness of the role of councillors in their communities, encourage healthy debate and improve the responses and support for local politicians facing abuse and intimidation.”

Cllr Horrill, along with council leader Cllr Martin Tod and Green Party leader Cllr Malcolm Wallace, also released a statement in support of the campaign.

It said: “We’re united in our support for democratic and healthy debate. Debate and disagreeing with one another is a healthy part of democracy – something that should be preserved and protected. However, hate, abuse and intimidation crosses the line.

“As councillors, we are supporting the Local Government Association’s ‘debate not hate’ campaign. We share concerns across the country about increasing levels of abuse and intimidation in public life, preventing elected members from representing the communities they serve, and deterring individuals from standing for election.

“As councillors, we champion that local government and its decision-making should be open and transparent and open to scrutiny; residents who are unhappy with decisions we make have every right to have their voice heard. It is a commitment of this council to Listen Better. We want to hear all voices.

“We will continue to encourage healthy debate and discussion and we will challenge intimidation and abuse.”