Political figures who are not currently MPs will be given police support, the home secretary has announced. Shabana Mahmood told MPs there was "insufficient protection" for those serving in public life and that the new announcement will cover peers, former MPs and party spokespeople. She also announced an urgent, independent review of security arrangements for high-profile figures including politicians and royals.
It comes three months after Reform UK spokeswoman and former Conservative MP Ann Widecombe was found dead at her home in Devon, having sustained serious injuries. Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with her murder, and he was also charged with preparing acts of terror against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. "For those who serve, politics is a calling.
Robust debate and criticism are part of this job - threats, abuse and violence are not," Mahmood said on Monday. She did not elaborate on what the support would involve, but told MPs it would include access to a named police officer and help with wider security measures. The safety of politicians has been a prominent issue in recent years, following the murders of Conservative MP Sir David Amess in 2021 and Labour MP Jo Cox in 2016.
"We owe it to them and to everyone who believes in a fair and open country to ensure that those who serve at all levels receive the protection they deserve," Mahmood added. The "root and branch" independent review into security arrangements will be led by former national security advisor Stephen Lovegrove, and will look into "physical threats, online risks and the dangers posed within our more polarised society". Mahmood confirmed that the review will report within six months, and complement the existing work of Sir Robert Buckland, who is leading a separate review into the murder of Sir David.
In response, shadow home secretary Chris Philp welcomed the extension of protective measures, saying threats to elected representatives are threats to democracy. Reform's home affairs spokesperson Zia Yusuf welcomed the review, but added: "It is disappointing that it took the murder of one of our colleagues, countless threats towards our party spokespeople and months of campaigning from Reform UK to make this government take action". Daughter of MP murdered five years ago tells BBC politicians still at risk Ex-justice secretary to lead review into MP murder Review of MP security needed after Widdecombe death, Burnham says
Extract — continue reading at the source.
