Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced that police support will now be extended to political figures who are not currently serving as members of Parliament. This new measure is set to provide protection to peers, former MPs, and party spokespeople, addressing what the Home Secretary described as “insufficient protection” for those active in public life.
While specific details regarding the nature of the support remain limited, Mahmood indicated that it would involve access to a designated police officer as well as assistance with broader security arrangements. Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday, she emphasized the government's stance that while robust debate is a fundamental aspect of the role, “threats, abuse and violence are not.”
The announcement coincides with the launch of an urgent, independent review into security arrangements for high-profile figures, including politicians and members of the Royal Family. This “root and branch” review, to be led by former national security advisor Stephen Lovegrove, will examine physical threats, online risks, and the dangers emerging within a more polarized society. Mahmood confirmed that the findings are expected within six months and will build upon ongoing work by Sir Robert Buckland regarding the 2021 murder of Conservative MP Sir David Amess.
The decision follows high-profile incidents of violence against politicians, including the deaths of Sir David Amess in 2021 and Labour MP Jo Cox in 2016. Furthermore, the issue has gained renewed urgency three months after Ann Widdecombe, a former Conservative MP and Reform UK spokeswoman, was killed at her home in Devon. Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with her murder and with preparing acts of terror against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, whom he allegedly targeted after researching prominent figures for two years.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp welcomed the extension of these protective measures, characterizing threats against elected representatives as threats to democracy. Reform UK’s home affairs spokesperson, Zia Yusuf, also welcomed the review but expressed disappointment that it required the murder of a colleague and months of campaigning to prompt government action. Recent tensions have also seen accusations from Reform UK regarding the security of Nigel Farage, with the party alleging a “dereliction of duty” over his taxpayer-funded protection—a claim the Home Office has categorically denied.
Data released in April revealed a significant rise in alleged offences against MPs, with 976 cases recorded in 2025 compared to 364 in 2019, including 50 reported death threats. The Jo Cox Foundation welcomed the announcement but cautioned that physical security alone is insufficient, with chief executive Olivia Field stating that the government must address root causes, such as online harms and education, to prevent future attacks.
