Dr Lisa Cameron has been recognised for her groundbreaking campaign helping shape changes to new online abuse laws and highlighting disability disadvantages.
The MP for East Kilbride and Strathaven suffered threats and intimidation from trolls and stalkers, with one even turning up at her constituency office to hurl abuse.
Despite her own trauma, the SNP politician spoke out in a bid to highlight the dreadful intimidation and abuse women in public office face just for doing their jobs, leading to huge changes in the security of MP’s at home and in their offices, as well as changes to online abuse laws which will help millions of victims.
Last week Dr Cameron, a former NHS psychologist who has dedicated her life to public service, was recognised by the Patchwork Foundation charity for her outstanding work on her campaign and continuing work supporting the rights of disabled people.
Dr Cameron was one of six MPs recognised and the only Scottish politician to receive an award, including special recognition given to the late Sir David Amess who was killed last year at his constituency office. An alleged terrorist is facing court after denying murder.
Lisa’s intern work scheme, which has ensured disabled people get employment in the offices of MPs at Westminster, has been expanded to ensure they get offered places in constituency offices too.
And during the pandemic, Lisa ensured disabled people were paired with local groups to ensure they were not left isolated and lonely, as well as developing a Psychology First Aid Scheme for frontline medical workers and carers as well as the police and NHS staff.
Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle presented the award to Dr Cameron last week, praising her indefatigable campaigning.
Dr Cameron, who is Chair of Westminster’s All Party Disability Group said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have been given this amazing award, and I’m incredibly proud that so many disabled people who have taken up intern working schemes have ended up working full time, joining the civil service or working for MPs.
“I’ve always believed that given the encouragement, support and opportunity allows everyone to shine. My ambition is to see more disabled people going into politics as they have a huge contribution to make.
“We have around 14 million people in this country living with disability and it is crucial their voices are represented in parliament. It has also been my pleasure to see The Speaker’s Disability Internship Scheme and now the MP’s Office Scheme expanding and offering opportunities to so many who have gone on to full time jobs.”
The MP, who feared for her staff as well as her very own life and when Brian McKerrow, 50, turned up to shout abuse at her two years ago, said she was relieved that he received a two year supervision order.
She said: “I know the dreadful effect these personal attacks have on people in public life, especially women, and I’m glad my own experiences helped shape the ongoing changes we are seeing with the Online Abuse Bill which I hope will prevent people leaving jobs in public life because of the attacks they receive.”
The politician’s Psychological First Aid Scheme is also being expanded throughout the country to give support to frontline workers who experience trauma in the course of doing their jobs.
Dr Cameron said: “These people give so selflessly every single day and are under enormous stress and trauma because of the kind of work they do. We need to acknowledge that and support them in return for all they do for us.”
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