The British Parliament had 209 women out of 650 deputies before its dissolution for early legislative elections that will take place on Thursday, December 12: 20% of Conservative elected and 46% of Labor.
Former Conservative Minister Anna Soubry is campaigning in Broxtowe, a riding she has represented for nine years. She had to leave the Conservative Party because she is opposed to Brexit. For this reason, it is harassed by right-wing activists who accuse it of treachery.
In 2016, during the referendum campaign on membership of the European Union, Labor MEP Jo Cox was killed by a right-wing activist. Since then, a considerable number of elected officials have been threatened, some have even decided not to run for office again.
"Someone has just been sent to jail for a year for a death threat against me, it's a new problem, which did not exist until this referendum, and since then it's getting worse and worse. ", explains Anna Soubry.
Out of 11 seats in Greater Nottingham, there are three women. One of them does not stand for these elections.
"Some of my colleagues do not show up anymore, but there are also men who are no longer candidates, and I know they are withdrawing because of death threats against them and their families."
Nine years ago, Lilian Greenwood was elected First Member of Parliament for Nottingham. She believes that for many voters here, Brexit is not the priority. She also faces violent remarks.
"The other day, someone told me that I should be gassed, (...) They probably do not think what they say but the rhetoric is dangerous," she says.
Brexit has polarized society. After the elections, bringing the British together will be difficult.
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