MAKE no mistake, our democracy is in danger.
Protesters are becoming activists, who increasingly use intimidation to enforce their view.
What next, I wonder?
On Wednesday night, the Commons descended into farce and chaos.
There were numerous reasons, but one of them was fear.
Put simply, threats, some of them extreme, delivered on social media or by the mob outside Parliament.
Two of my parliamentary colleagues, Sir David Amess and Jo Cox, have already been murdered and a Labour member told me of the intimidation she faced during her reselection - from her own activists.
Justice Minister Mike Freer, who represents the predominantly Jewish area Golders Green, is stepping down after his constituency office was fire-bombed and his partner threatened.
My colleague Tobias Ellwood was advised not to go home because of a pro-Palestinian mob.
And let’s not forget the Greenpeace protesters who climbed onto the Prime Minister’s roof last year.
However, it’s not just politicians of all colours that are increasingly being targeted.
Only last year Parliament was forced to pass new laws protecting emergency workers from those they serve.
Paramedics, nurses, doctors, firefighters and police have all been attacked during the performance of their duties.
Jail sentences are now imposed in the worst cases.
Like all public sector workers, MPs have to meet those they serve on a regular basis and nothing must undermine that relationship.
But, with threats on the increase, some of my colleagues are being advised to wear stab vests and to limit public engagements.
This is a worrying precedent and one that must be taken seriously.
As MPs, we are representatives, not constituent’s private delegates, and it’s impossible to please everyone.
Our very democracy is under threat if we cannot debate contentious issues without fearing physical harm.