News bulletin: Liverpool MP Ian Byrne reveals details of death threats, GP services understaffed

Labour MP for West Derby Ian Byrne has issued a statement thanking the Jewish community and Counter Terror units after receiving a possible threat to his life, family, and office staff.

It comes after a far-right extremist made threats saying David Amess would not be the last MP to die and was then photographed outside Mr Byrne’s office.

He was initially contacted in June about the threat, who had been posting vile threats to the Jewish community on extremist websites.

In a statement Mr Byrne said: “I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to the organisations from the Jewish community who flagged this threat to me and to the counter-terrorism unit in parliament.

“Their support has been excellent throughout this worrying episode, as has that of Merseyside Police who have offered security guidance to help assuage our very real fears.”

The Labour backbencher added: “This is a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by all who work in the public eye for a society free from _{division and hate}.”

Conservative MP Sir David Amess died in October after being stabbed multiple times at his constituency surgery in Essex.

👩‍⚕️ Out of hours, GP services across Merseyside are so understaffed some patients have been left waiting up to two days for a phone consultation, according to a report produced by the Care Quality Commission following an inspection carried out in May.

📊 A new package of practical support, advice and access to finance is being offered to people currently out of work in the Liverpool City Region. The Better Off Fund will offer a fully-financed programme of support for anybody looking to enter or re-enter employment in the region.