Security of politicians and royals to be urgently reviewed

Summarised from 3 outlets · 5 reports · Updated 12 Oct, 19:02 · Archive

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced an urgent review of security arrangements for high-profile public figures including politicians and members of the royal family. The announcement follows the death of Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe, 78, who died on 8 July after being hit over the head with a hammer 21 times at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon.

Police support will be expanded to include leaders of political parties who are not MPs, as well as peers, former MPs, former members of devolved parliaments and political party spokespeople. According to the BBC, those receiving support will have access to a named police officer and help with wider security measures, though further details were not provided.

The independent review will be led by former national security adviser Sir Stephen Lovegrove and will examine how existing security is provided and whether funding and measures are being used effectively. The BBC reports the review will look into 'physical threats, online risks and the dangers posed within our more polarised society' and will report within six months.

The review will build on separate work by Sir Robert Buckland, who is conducting an investigation into the murder of Conservative MP Sir David Amess. Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with Widdecombe's murder and has also been charged with preparing acts of terror against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.

Mahmood told the Commons: 'Those who enter public life do so to serve. Robust debate and criticism are part of the job. Threats, abuse and violence are not. An attack on any individual in public life is an attack on every one of us, and it is an attack on democracy itself.'

Security of politicians and royals to be urgently reviewed — Image: Evening Standard

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How it is being reported

Security of politicians and royals to be urgently reviewed, Shabana Mahmood saysPolice support will be expanded to include leaders of political parties who are not MPs.Evening Standard · 12 Oct, 18:53
Security of politicians and royals to be urgently reviewed, Shabana Mahmood saysPolice support will be expanded to include leaders of political parties who are not MPs.Evening Standard · 12 Oct, 18:34
Government expands police support to non-MPsShabana Mahmood says there is "insufficient protection" for those who play a role in public life.BBC News · 12 Oct, 18:24
Security arrangements for high-profile public figures to be reviewed urgently, Shabana Mahmood saysPolice support will be expanded to include leaders of political parties who are not MPs, as well as peers and former MPsThe Independent · 12 Oct, 18:21
Security of politicians and royals to be urgently reviewed, Shabana Mahmood saysPolice support will be expanded to include leaders of political parties who are not MPs.Evening Standard · 12 Oct, 18:04

In this story: Shabana Mahmood · Ann Widdecombe · Reform UK · Stephen Lovegrove · Robert Buckland · Sir David Amess · Joshua Kerry · Nigel Farage

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