Eastbourne and Willingdon MP Caroline Ansell told parliament today that the town has shown nothing but pride in the England football team but more must be done by social media platforms to stop racism online.
Speaking during the racist abuse on social media urgent question, Caroline said: “Since Sunday’s final, everyone I have spoken to in my constituency, everywhere I have been, has expressed nothing but pride in our England team.
“Racist abuse online has inspired an outpouring of support and solidarity. By contrast, figures released by Twitter in 2020 show that the company responded to less than 50% of all requests for information from law enforcement in the UK.
“Alongside support for campaigns such as Kick It Out, does my honourable friend agree that such social media platforms must seriously raise their game or face serious repercussions?
In reply, Home Office minister Victoria Atkins said: “I completely agree with my honourable friend, and I am delighted to hear that the football team has received such support in her constituency—I suspect that that is the experience of us all.
“The racist attitudes that have been displayed by a small number of people and trolls, some of which we know originate from overseas, are very much in the minority. The overwhelming majority of us are incredibly proud of our great team.”
