WITHAM MP Priti Patel has spoken out about “vile” and “bigoted” messages she has received.

Ms Patel was speaking in the wake of the killing of Jo Cox MP in Birstall, Yorkshire.

She paid tribute to the Labour MP, said she was appalled at her death and added security for MPs must be reviewed.

Late last year, she received a letter containing “expletives and threatening messages” from a man in Glasgow, which she referred to Scottish Police.

She said: “As an MP, my office regularly receives rude and offensive emails and phone calls and there are times when some members of the public can be very abusive and insulting.

“Social media has also provided a platform for a small minority of people to express bigoted, vulgar and derogatory comments towards MPs and I know women MPs from all parties have been particularly targeted in this way.

“I have on occasion referred some of the vilest examples to the police or to the House of Commons authorities.

“In one instance in the last year police in Scotland took action against an individual.

“We should be able to have robust and strong debates and hold different opin- ions in our democracy without resorting to abusive, threatening, insulting and vile language.”

Ms Patel echoed fellow politicians including Prime Minister David Cameron when she said MPs must remain accessible to constituents.

But she said: “It is sad we are in a position where we have to review our se- curity and see what precautions should be taken.

“However in light of Jo’s death it is appropriate we review what can be done to keep politicians and other public servants safe.”

A minute’s silence was held at Braintree Council’s local plan committee meeting on Monday. The Union Jack at the authority’s offices in Bocking End was also lowered to half mast.

Mrs Cox died after being shot and stabbed following a constituency meet- ing last Thursday.

Thomas Mair, 52, has been charged with murder, grievous bodily harm, possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence and pos- session of an offensive weapon.

He will appear at the Old Bailey today.