THE seven Labour MPs who resigned from the party on Monday have been greeted with praise, anger and abuse online.
While the septet were announcing their decision, a verified account for Young Labour, @YoungLabourUK, tweeted a lyric from The Red Flag, which appeared to refer to them as "cowards" and "traitors".
"Though cowards flinch and traitors sneer, we'll keep the red flag flying here," read the tweet.
Hundreds of accounts used the platform to call for a by-election, demanding the MPs let their constituents choose whether they wanted a Labour representative.
"If you truly aim to 'serve your community' then you will hold a by-election so your community can decide whether they want an Independent MP or a Labour MP (like they voted for)," one user told Chuka Umunna.
Another told Gavin Shuker: "You were elected as a Labour MP. Many people in Luton South voted for a Labour MP. If you choose to resign from the Labour Party; it is only right that you stand in a by-election against a Labour candidate."
The majority were similarly balanced in tone, although a small minority were more angry.
One user, who claimed to be a Labour supporter from Newport, wrote to Umunna: "F*** off then, you f****** splitter. Don't be a coward. Call a by-election. Oh you won't because you know you'd be trounced by a proper Labour candidate. F****** red Tory."
Others said they were "disappointed" by the news, arguing that it would only serve to strengthen the Conservative Party.
One user wrote: "As a black man, and a card-carrying labour member, and party campaigner, I'm deeply disappointed in the decision @ChukaUmunna has made. It only strengthens the Tories and puts black ppl like myself at further risk of harm from their politics of privilege and exclusion."
Much like the announcement earlier on Monday morning, anti-Semitism was also a theme on Twitter.
While some users chose to congratulate the MPs, particularly Luciana Berger, for taking a stand against discrimination, a small number appeared to exemplify the issue.
"I don't always agree with your politics on Brexit but admire your fortitude Luciana. My great grandfather was Jewish. The Labour handling of anti-semitism has been amateurish and appalling," wrote one.
But a pro-Brexit account tweeted: "Goodridance to Blairite Scum. No place in Labour for Blairites. Get on with it #ChickenChuka And take the noisy Jew with you @lucianaberger."
"Unfortunately, this woman is lying to us all and herself. Using anti semitism as a cover for those opposed to Israeli Policy continues to be supported by the MSM and the British establishment," wrote another.
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