We call upon the appropriate police force and prosecuting authorities to formally assess public social-media posts reportedly made by Heather Herbert following the death of former MP Ann Widdecombe.

After news of Ann Widdecombe’s death was announced, posts attributed to Heather Herbert reportedly stated:

“Some good news for once. I hope it was an extremely painful death.”

“I hope she was handcuffed to the bed as she screamed in agony.”

These were not merely expressions of political disagreement or criticism of Ann Widdecombe’s record. They graphically expressed pleasure at her death and a desire that she had experienced extreme suffering.

This is particularly disturbing because Ann Widdecombe was subsequently confirmed to have suffered serious injuries, and her death is being investigated as murder.

Freedom of expression protects the right to criticise politicians, political beliefs and public policies, including in forceful and offensive terms. It does not mean that every online communication must be ignored without assessment, particularly where it appears to glorify extreme suffering or violence following a suspected killing.

We are not asking the Government, police or prosecutors to presume guilt. We are asking them to determine impartially whether these posts—or their wider context—meet the legal threshold for investigation under applicable communications, public-order or hate-crime legislation.

We therefore call for:

The appropriate police force to formally assess the reported posts, their authenticity and their full context.

Police to determine whether any criminal offence may have been committed and, where appropriate, refer the evidence to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service or other relevant prosecuting authority.

The Government to clarify how existing laws apply when individuals publicly celebrate a suspected murder or express graphic approval of a victim’s suffering.

Consistent enforcement of communications laws, regardless of the political beliefs, employment, status or identity of the person making the remarks.

A parliamentary debate on whether current legislation adequately addresses public communications that celebrate murder, political violence or the extreme suffering of identifiable individuals.

The purpose of this petition is not to declare Heather Herbert guilty of an offence. That decision belongs to investigators, prosecutors and, where applicable, the courts.

The purpose is to ensure that such serious and disturbing public statements receive a proper, transparent and impartial assessment rather than being dismissed solely as political commentary.

No individual should be above scrutiny, and the law must be applied consistently to everyone.