Reform UK calls for major security boost after Widdecombe killing
In the wake of the death of Ann Widdecombe last week, the safety of MPs has come under renewed scrutiny. Reform UK, for which Widdecombe was a prominent spokesperson, has been particularly vocal. On Wednesday, the party's home affairs spokesperson Zia Yusuf set out plans to significantly increase security for MPs and former MPs in public life. Hours later, the Metropolitan Police arrested a man for allegedly sending death threats to party leader Nigel Farage via social media.
Zia Yusuf's proposal: £100 million for round-the-clock protection
According to a Reform press notice, security funded by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority currently costs about £4 million. Yusuf said he wanted to increase that to up to £100 million to provide 'round-the-clock protection', likely involving personal bodyguards available 24/7. He also left open the possibility of peers, mayors, and councillors receiving similar support.
Current MP security arrangements
Inside the Palace of Westminster, MPs and staff are protected by the Parliamentary Security Department (PSD). In constituencies, responsibility lies with local police in partnership with the PSD and the Met. After Jo Cox's murder in 2016, police set up Operation Bridger, giving each MP a named local police contact for security. This does not apply to former MPs like Ann Widdecombe. Additionally, the Home Office's Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC) can provide security to public figures deemed to need it. Earlier this week, Shabana Mahmood offered Nigel Farage a meeting with the RAVEC chair, which he accepted.
MPs' views on security balance
Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, sister of Jo Cox, told the reporter earlier this year: 'Every MP I know wants less security, not more security, and they also know that they need to have it. The best thing about this job is meeting people. You don't want to feel that you can't go out and speak to people, but equally you have to acknowledge the risks.' She stressed the need to balance accessibility with safety, noting that the UK still has high levels of access to elected officials compared to some countries.
The fundamental question
The debate raises whether the answer is to ramp up security at the risk of making MPs seem unapproachable, or whether deeper societal issues need addressing. The health of democracy rests on finding the right balance.
