MS for Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd and Reform UK representative James Evans writes his column for The Brecon & Radnor Express. Each week our local MS’ write in our column.

Public life has always involved disagreement, criticism and robust debate. That is part of a healthy democracy, and elected representatives must be prepared to answer difficult questions. But the increasingly personal abuse, intimidation and threats directed at politicians and their families cross a line that should concern us all.

The politically motivated murder of Ann Widdecombe recently has understandably shaken people across politics. A man has been charged and is awaiting trial. Closer to home, police are also investigating a reported death threat made against a Senedd Member and their family. These incidents remind us that politicians are not public property. We are people with partners, parents, children, friends, and staff. None of them stood for election, yet abuse aimed at an elected representative can quickly spill into their lives.

Social media has made this problem worse. Disagreement that might once have ended with a firm exchange of views can now become relentless personal abuse, threats or attempts to frighten someone into silence. That pressure does not simply disappear when the working day ends. It follows people home.

If political debate is to survive in this country, politicians must remain accountable, approachable, and open to scrutiny, without being surrounded and protected by close security teams or having their homes turned into Fort Knox just so they can keep their loved ones safe. Threats against elected representatives do not only harm individuals and their families. They risk silencing debate, deterring good people from public service and weakening democracy itself. We can disagree passionately without losing our humanity, and all of us have a responsibility to restore that basic standard.