MP for Alyn and Deeside, Mark Tami, responds to claims that he is preventing freedom of speech on social media

Claims made from a number of social media users suggest that the MP is using the block button to somewhat stop their right to disagree, with Mr Tami strongly denying that this is not the case.

He said: "I firmly believe in a robust political debate, including social media, which is why in the last 15 months since the general election, only one constituent has been blocked on Facebook.

"The right to disagree is fundamental to our politics, and I will always defend that.

"Where people are constituents, they will only be blocked on social media in truly exceptional circumstances."

Examples given by Mr Tami regarding what would result in someone being blocked on social media include repeated use of foul language, even towards other constituents, as well as making threats, or spreading lies about Covid-19.

Facebook logo. Photo credit: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire.

Mr Tami stated that only one constituent had been blocked on social media in the last year, and that was because they allegedly 'shared anti-Semitic conspiracy theories' about coronavirus.

He said: "Both I and the Labour Party have an absolute zero-tolerance policy for anti-Semitism and I will not allow the comments on my page to be used to spread these disgusting lies.

"I'm utterly certain that the overwhelming majority of people in Alyn and Deeside would agree that anti-Semites should not be allowed to promote their views through their MP's page."

On Facebook, the MP confirmed that a total of seven profiles had been blocked since the 2019 general election, either due to spamming, being abusive or being fake accounts.

Mr Tami, added: "Even in the very rare circumstances where someone has been blocked on social media for abuse, I can still be contacted through my website or by email.

"Anybody who lives in Alyn and Deeside who needs help from their MP is more than welcome to get in touch with me and I will always do my best to sort their issue, regardless of different political views."