Ex-Reform MP Rupert Lowe says childminder Lucy Connolly ‘should not be in prison for stupid social media posts’ as petition races towards Westminster debate threshold
A PETITION demanding the release of a mother jailed for a social media post has gathered a staggering 20,000 signatures in just five hours as fury grows over her 31-month sentence.
Ex-Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe, who launched the petition earlier today, celebrated reaching the crucial 10,000 milestone in under three hours – meaning the Government must now respond.
The groundswell of support comes after childminder Lucy Connolly, 42, lost her appeal against her prison sentence for a single tweet posted in the aftermath of the Southport murders last July.
‘PEOPLE SHOULD NOT BE IN PRISON FOR STUPID POSTS’
Lowe, who now sits as an Independent MP, declared: “People should not be in prison for stupid social media posts – this petition is pushing for Government to urgently review the penalties.
“Lucy Connolly, and others, should not be in prison. This petition has the support of her family.”
The petition could force a debate in Westminster Hall if it reaches 100,000 signatures – a milestone that looks increasingly likely given the current momentum.
Petitioners have until December 20 to hit the target, giving them six months to force MPs to discuss what supporters call a “dangerous precedent” for free speech.
THE TWEET THAT COST HER FREEDOM
Connolly, wife of Conservative councillor Raymond Connolly, was jailed after posting on X (formerly Twitter) following the murders of three young girls at a dance class in Southport.
In an emotional response to false rumours that the attacker was an illegal immigrant, she wrote: “Mass deportation now, set fire to all the f*ing hotels full of the b***** for all I care, while you’re at it, take the treacherous Government and politicians with them.
She added: “If that makes me racist, so be it.”
The mother-of-one deleted the post within four hours after it was viewed 310,000 times, but was arrested days later and subsequently sentenced to 31 months in prison.
HIGH-PROFILE BACKING
The petition has gained support from prominent figures across the political spectrum, with eight MPs backing an Early Day Motion calling for Connolly’s release.
Supporters include Labour MP Mary Glindon and Conservative MP Simon Fell, while ex-PM Boris Johnson, Nigel Farage and Robert Jenrick have all demanded her release.
Even the White House is reportedly “monitoring this matter” as it “remains concerned about infringements on freedom of expression.”
FAMILY’S HEARTBREAK
Connolly’s husband Raymond said he is “heartbroken” after her appeal was dismissed, saying: “My wife has paid a very high price for making a mistake and today the court has shown her no mercy.”
The childminder has been repeatedly denied temporary release to see her 12-year-old daughter, despite being an “ideal candidate” according to prison experts.
Internal prison communications suggest concerns about media attention have influenced decisions to keep her behind bars.
PETITION DEMANDS URGENT REVIEW
In the petition, Lowe writes: “We call on the Government to urgently review the possible penalties for non-violent offences arising from social media posts, including the use of prison.
There is serious public concern about the proportionality of sentencing in cases involving opinion-based online speech.
We believe imprisoning individuals for posts on social media sets a dangerous precedent and raises wider questions about freedom of expression, proportionality in sentencing, and the misuse of limited prison resources.
The petition argues that “alternative sanctions, such as fines or community service, would be more appropriate” for such offences.
TWO-TIER JUSTICE CLAIMS
Critics including former Home Secretary Suella Braverman have claimed Connolly has fallen victim to a “politicised two-tier justice system.
The Free Speech Union, which supported her appeal, pointed out that “members of grooming gangs who plead guilty to the sexual exploitation of children get lower sentences.
Lord Young of the Free Speech Union said: “How can it be right for Lucy to have been condemned to spend more than two-and-a-half years in jail for a single tweet?
STARMER BACKS SENTENCE
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has defended the courts, telling MPs: “While I’m strongly in favour of free speech, I’m against incitement of violence to other people.
When questioned by Rupert Lowe at PMQs, Starmer said: “Sentencing is a matter for our courts… I will always support the action taken by our police and courts to keep our streets and people safe.
MOTHER’S TRAGIC PAST
The court heard that Connolly had lost her own 19-month-old son following a hospital error, which meant she felt the deaths of the Southport victims particularly acutely.
Her barrister argued this powerful mitigating factor, along with her quick deletion of the post and subsequent apology, should have resulted in a lesser sentence.
However, Lord Justice Holroyde rejected the appeal, saying: “There is no arguable basis on which it could be said that the sentence imposed by the judge was manifestly excessive.
RACE TO 100,000
With the petition gaining approximately 4,000 signatures per hour, it could reach the 100,000 threshold needed for a parliamentary debate within days rather than months.
As one supporter commented: “This is about more than one woman – it’s about whether we live in a free society where a moment of anger can cost you years of your life.
The petition can be found on the official UK Parliament petitions website under the title “Review penalties for non-violent social media offences.
