Senior politicians fear fury and fatigue stoked up by Brexit has spawned a new era of 'clickbait conduct' and made-for-Twitter soundbites
HYSTERICAL MPs have been ordered to cut out the insults and show more respect to their colleagues.
Senior figures are alarmed by the angry and offensive language used by politicians on social media, TV, radio and in the Commons.
They fear fury and fatigue stoked up by Brexit has spawned a new era of “clickbait conduct” and made-for-Twitter soundbites.
Former Education Secretary Nicky Morgan has called for them to adopt a calmer tone.
She has drawn up a new code of conduct for the 50-strong One Nation Caucus of MPs in a bid to “return normal debate to the airwaves”.
Some MPs are stressed and on the brink of collapse as tempers fray over the long-running and divisive Brexit process.
Last week Tory ex-minister Mark Francois launched a blistering attack on Chancellor Philip Hammond telling him: “Up yours.”
Top cop Martin Hewitt warned that intolerable language was inflaming tensions in Westminster and senior MP Rob Halfon said many politicians were now stressed and on the verge of collapse.
Ms Morgan, who co-chairs One Nation Caucus, said: “We are living through unprecedented times, with many Members unable to spend as much time with the families as they would like to and it’s not at all helpful to everyday hear people – albeit a minority - competing to be the loudest and boldest.
“So today the One Nation Caucus will pledge that all Members will engage only in constructive, polite and respectful discourse.
“We hope this is the beginning of a change in tone at Westminster and invite all Members to sign our pledge.”
Last week The Sun on Sunday told how MPs had voiced concern about the tirades unleashed by the Leave-supporting MPs in the European Research Group or ERG.
The group was described as Extreme, Reckless and Gullible by some.
But the code of conduct calls for compassionate Conservatives to act Even-handedly, Respectfully and Generously.
The One Nation Caucus – which this week increased its membership to 50 – is a socially liberal Conservative Group championing compassionate conservatism.
It is chaired by Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd, Nicky Morgan, Sir Nicholas Soames and Damian Green to promote progressive Conservative values and holds weekly meetings.
Ms Morgan added: “One hundred years ago the phrase a “return to normalcy” was born.
“Many colleagues must remember this virtue.”
