I have written about intolerance before, but there’s a new dimension to it that is distinctly unsettling.

While those who propagate it would deny their aim is to incite violence, it is becoming more common.

Egged on by an irresponsible abuse of social media, we witness co-ordinated attacks on police at demonstrations, the raid on Congress and the hijacking of a vigil for Sarah Everard by anarchists.

To be fair, this is at the more extreme end, but it’s a slippery road and I see it beginning to infect politics, too.

Many of my colleagues have been subjected to appalling abuse, often online, which has rippled down to the playground in some cases.

The press and media must accept some responsibility for this, too.

They are far too eager to push out this new zealotry, or simply report in a partisan way.

Take last week’s Scottish election, for example.

From the coverage, you’d believe the SNP had wiped the floor and had the authority for a legal and considered referendum.

Well, they didn’t, nor did they achieve an overall majority, with the Conservatives holding all their seats.

And, let’s not forget the fact that half of Scots want to remain in the UK.

Hartlepool, on the other hand, is cause for optimism.

Despite being derided as a bunch of bigots, racists and xenophobes for voting for Brexit, they installed a Conservative MP for the first time.

A victory for the silent majority, but for how long?

The refusal to allow any divergence from the ‘norm’ is becoming sinister and controlling.

The freedom to speak one’s mind and, inevitably, cause offence on occasions, is not only a cornerstone of our society, it is the very foundation of it.

Richard Drax

South Dorset MP