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Lord Bew: "We are in a bad moment, and we have to respond to it."

The Chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, Lord Bew, has told The Westminster Hour that British politics is at a "dangerous moment", because of the level of abuse and intimidation of MPs and others who stand for public office.

The Committee has been asked by the Prime Minister to conduct a review into the issue of intimidation during the general election campaign.

Expressing concern that the level of abuse directed at politicians could discourage people from standing in elections, Lord Bew said "We cannot afford to lose people of quality in our political life, and we may be approaching a tipping point."

He also confirmed that he has himself experienced intimidation and threats, saying "This is one reason why I feel so strongly about this."