More than half of female MPs have been abused online with many feeling less safe after Jo Cox murder, a shocking survey reveals

MORE than half of women MPs have had a physical threat from a member of the public, a new survey reveals.

Nine out of ten have been abused online and 80 per cent have been verbally attacked.

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Of the 73 MPs who replied to the survey, two thirds said they felt less safe after the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox.

A third of women MPs who responded to the Radio Five Live poll said they had considered ­giving up their job because of the abuse.

One said: “The level of violence and abuse has increased. At times I’ve been very frightened.”

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Another said: “The response by Parliament’s authorities, and sadly the police, remains cavalier in the face of threats of death and violence.

"We are expected to suck it up and accept it as part of our job."

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Almost half of female MPs said a crackdown on unacceptable behaviour needs to happen with two thirds saying they have heard sexist comments in Parliament.

One responded to the survey saying: "Told by one MP (male) that perhaps my place was in the kitchen washing the dishes."

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BBC Radio Five Live head of news Rozina Breen said: "The purpose of this survey was to make sure our coverage of women's politics is accurate.

"It is important to understand the obstacles female MPs may face but not speak about."

One in five women MPs admitted that having children contributed to a decision to turn down or not seek a promotion.