Politics · United Kingdom · 3 hrs ago
Police support extended to peers, former MPs and party spokespeople
The UK government will extend police support to political figures who are not currently MPs, including peers, former MPs and party spokespeople.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said they would have access to a named police officer and help with wider security measures.
She also announced an independent review of security for high-profile figures, including politicians and members of the royal family.
The move follows growing concern about threats and violence against people in public life, including the deaths of MPs Jo Cox in 2016 and Sir David Amess in 2021.
It comes three months after former MP and Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widecombe was found dead at her home in Devon; a man has been charged with her murder and with preparing acts of terror against Nigel Farage.
The review, led by former national security adviser Stephen Lovegrove, will examine physical threats, online risks and dangers linked to a more polarised society.
It is due to report within six months and will complement a separate review into Sir David’s murder.
The government will extend police support to peers, former MPs and party spokespeople, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood told MPs.
The support will include access to a named police officer and help with wider security measures.
Mahmood also announced an independent review of security arrangements for high-profile figures, to report within six months.
The announcements follow the death of Reform UK spokeswoman and former Conservative MP Ann Widecombe, who was found at her home in Devon three months earlier.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp welcomed the extension, while Reform’s home affairs spokesperson Zia Yusuf welcomed the review but criticised the timing of the action.
- Who
- The government, with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announcing the measures.
- What
- Police support will be extended to peers, former MPs and party spokespeople. An independent review of security arrangements was also announced.
- When
- Mahmood made the announcement on Monday; the article was published on 12 October 2026.
- Where
- The announcement was made to MPs. The review concerns security arrangements for high-profile figures.
- Why
- Mahmood said there was insufficient protection for people serving in public life.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Labour MP Jo Cox was murdered.
Conservative MP Sir David Amess was murdered.
MPs reported 4,064 crimes to the Met’s Parliamentary Liaison Team.
Ann Widecombe was found dead at her home in Devon.
Mahmood announced the expanded police support and an independent security review.
- Eligible groups
- Peers, former MPs and party spokespeople
- Support offered
- Access to a named police officer and help with wider security measures
- Review leader
- Former national security advisor Stephen Lovegrove
- Review deadline
- Within six months
- Reported offences against MPs
- 976 in 2025; 364 in 2019
- Death threats reported
- 50 in 2025; 31 the previous year
What people are saying
For those who serve, politics is a calling. Robust debate and criticism are part of this job - threats, abuse and violence are not,
threats to elected representatives are threats to democracy.
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
Sources
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