SNP members get vast majority of online abuse of MSPs
SNP politicians have been showered with the most online abuse, according to figures that reveal more than 700 messages sent to MSPs across the political spectrum were deemed 'criminal'.
The scale of online abuse directed at Holyrood politicians is revealed in a report released by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB), which claims it is 'readily apparent and growing'.
Between June 2023 and March 2025, more than 31,600 abusive messages sent to MSPs on social media were logged.
The vast majority – 22,370 – were directed at members of the SNP, followed by Scottish Labour (4,432) and the Scottish Conservatives (2,480). Scottish Green MSPs reported 1,440 abusive posts, the Liberal Democrats 843 and independents 52.
Of these, 718 were deemed to potentially breach criminal thresholds and were referred to Police Scotland. In one case, it led to court action and a prosecution. The report states that another prosecution is in progress.
'Sobering' results
The monitoring period includes a pilot project of the SPCB's online threat managing service for MSPs, which started in June 2023 and produced 'sobering' results, according to Lynsey Hamill, director of operations and digital at the Scottish Parliament.
The service continues to deliver early warning of potential online threats for 69 MSPs – 33 of whom are female – who are currently signed up.
The data also show that gender-based abusive posts went from seven in 2023-24 to 886 in 2024-25.
However, the significant rise is claimed to be due to the improved recognition of misogynistic content directed at female members.
Ms Hamill added: 'We can see the scale of online abuse of MSPs is now readily apparent and growing. This chimes with feedback we have had from members for some time now.'
The SPCB initiated a review of personal security provision for MSPs and staff following the death of David Amess, the former MP for Southend West who was stabbed multiple times at a constituency surgery at a church in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, in 2021.
'Rising threat level'
The review led to more than 250 portable alarms issued to MSPs and their staff, £125,000 committed to make permanent the online threat managing service for up to 80 MSPs and 108 local offices being surveyed by Police Scotland.
Security improvements were implemented on their recommendations and all MSPs were offered home residence surveys by Police Scotland.
A Scottish Parliament spokesman said: 'The SPCB is acutely aware of the rising level of threat against elected representatives. Last year, the SPCB invested £125,000 to make permanent its online threat managing service.
'Under the service, potentially criminal threats are identified by the Parliament's security team and escalated to Police Scotland for its action.'
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