Shrewsbury MP leaves office after attacks

The MP for Shrewsbury has closed her parliamentary office and moved after she said it was attacked three times in three weeks.

Julia Buckley's premises, on Wyle Cop in Shrewsbury, was vandalised in December when black paint was sprayed over the windows and signs.

"At the moment, staff are working elsewhere; we've had some additional security put in," she said.

West Mercia Police said a 53 year-old man, who was arrested on 20 December on suspicion of criminal damage relating to the shop's vandalism, has since been released on bail as inquiries continue.

The force added reports had been received in relation to the other attacks.

Buckley became Shrewsbury's first female MP, when she won the seat for Labour in the 2024 general election.

"We have a zero-tolerance policy on aggression and abuse of staff," she told the BBC.

"It's just really unfortunate, because I've really enjoyed having an office in the centre of town, where we were available and open so people could drop in and raise their concerns."

She added that she was looking for offices that were less publicly visible, but she would still hold surgeries and coffee mornings, with the addition of security guards.

"It isn't just Shrewsbury, of course it isn't, but people I think do get frustrated about politics," she said.

"No matter how much you think you disagree, or however cross or frustrated you are, politicians... really we're here to listen, and if we're any good at our job, we'll spend time listening.

"There's no need for violence; there's no need for things to cross the line."

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