Police protection is being extended to political figures who do not currently sit in the House of Commons, the home secretary has announced, covering peers, former MPs and party spokespeople.
Shabana Mahmood told MPs there was “insufficient protection” for those serving in public life. She said the support would include access to a named police officer as well as help with wider security measures, but did not elaborate on what it would involve.
She also announced an urgent, independent review of security arrangements for high-profile figures, among them politicians and members of the royal family.
The announcement comes three months after Reform UK spokeswoman and former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe was found dead at her home in Devon, having sustained serious injuries.
Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with her murder. 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 added: “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.”
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.
The “root and branch” independent review will be led by former national security adviser Stephen Lovegrove, and will look into “physical threats, online risks and the dangers posed within our more polarised society”.
Mahmood confirmed the review will report within six months, and will complement the existing work of Sir Robert Buckland, who is leading a separate review into the murder of Sir David.
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”.
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