Simon Danczuk receives death threats

Simon Danczuk MP

Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk has received death threats over his decision to back action against ISIS.

Mr Danczuk  voted in favour of tactical airstrikes against ISIS positions in Syria on Wednesday. Since then, he has received a number of intimidating messages and death threats via social media.

Mr Danczuk said: “ISIS are a purely evil group motivated by a grotesque misinterpretation of Islam, which I know to be a peaceful and tolerant religion.

“ISIS are terrorising innocent Muslims in Syria, forcing them away from their homes and subjecting them to acts of unspeakable violence and torture.

“I felt that we could not stand by and let Syrian families continue to suffer at the hand of these murderers. ISIS must be eliminated before peace can be achieved in Syria.

“I want to reassure those who are concerned about the decision I took on Wednesday that Parliament did not vote for an indiscriminate carpet bombing campaign across Syria. These are limited, carefully considered and precision-targeted tactical airstrikes against known ISIS positions.

“I understand this is a highly emotive issue with passionate views on both sides. I am happy to sit down with any of my constituents to talk through these arguments but that must happen in an atmosphere of understanding.

“There is no excuse for death threats or threats of violence against me or others, this is unacceptable behaviour and it will not be tolerated.”

Mr Danczuk gave a statement to the police today (Friday 4 December).