Are you reading this on via Twitter or Facebook? Do like and trust your MP? Faith in our elected officials at an all-time low, with just 14% of us saying we trust politicians.

Social media is undoubtedly an excellent way for MPs to communicate with constituents, yet a troubling number of block critics from official social media accounts.

Research shows that over the past month over 120 - that's a staggering 20% - of MPs have blocked constituents on Twitter who have asked them difficult questions.

Three of Cornwall's MPs are on this list. Indeed, one has a private Twitter account which means you can't see their feed at all.

Despite being a constituent of Cherilyn Mackrory I am not permitted to find out what the MP for Truro and Falmouth shares on Twitter as my requested access is 'pending' (as it has been for months.)

All over Cornwall constituents have been blocked from MPs Facebook pages, for asking questions about government policy.

In some extremely worrying cases, MPs have stopped even answering emails from their constituents - one simply ignored an email from a constituent about free school dinners. Why is this accepted behaviour?

MPs are paid £1,500 per week to represent their constituents, and the Parliamentary Code of Conduct clearly states, "holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office."

MPs who block constituents on social media because they ask difficult questions are avoiding submitting themselves to scrutiny. It stops users from participating in public debate and it deprives others of hearing the comments that blocked users would have made, insulating MPs from criticism.

It is true that the majority of MPs experience abuse on social media - witness the vicious trolling aimed all political parties. But Facebook and Twitter have put increasing safeguards in place to report abusive behaviour, which should be utilized in these extreme cases.

Surely anyone who is paid from the public purse, and promotes themselves in that way on social media, should have open and transparent dialogue with their constituents? And If someone is blocked they should have the right to appeal to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards?

Indeed, over the pond in the USA, a recent court ruling means that is now illegal for elected officials to block critics on social media.

Increasing the volume and quality of interaction between MPs and their constituents is a sign that your MP is listening. And with trust in politicians having sunk to 14%, wouldn't that be a good thing?

Click here for more from Sinead Hanks Prospective Labour Candidate for Falmouth Boslowick.

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