MPs will be given bodyguards and the police will conduct “surge” patrols outside their offices after the government announced £31 million in funding to “defend our democratic freedoms”.
The security package has been drawn up in response to increasing concern among MPs about the level of harassment and intimidation they are facing, which has intensified because of the situation in the Middle East. Some MPs have said privately that they have felt unable to vote with their conscience on matters relating to Israel and Gaza as they fear repercussions. At least three female MPs have private bodyguards.
The funding will pay for private sector security for MPs who are considered to be at risk, along with security improvements for their homes and offices. They will also receive “enhanced security advice and training”.
• At least three female MPs have private bodyguards
Local police forces will be able to draw on the funding for “surge” policing in areas where there are significant concerns about safety or community tensions. MPs and candidates will also be given the name of a dedicated officer who will respond to their concerns.
Advertisement
James Cleverly, the home secretary, said: “The government will take every possible step to safeguard the people, processes and institutions upon which our democracy relies. None of us should have to accept that enduring hate crimes, harassment or threats is part of the job.”
Tom Tugendhat, the security minister, said: “Over the past few weeks we’ve seen disgraceful attempts to intimidate MPs and undermine our democratic processes. That behaviour is a threat to our democracy, and toxic for our society.”
Rishi Sunak rejected a call by Harriet Harman, a former deputy leader of the Labour Party, for MPs to return to Covid-style online voting amid fears for the safety of politicians.
She highlighted the murders of the MPs Jo Cox and Sir David Amess, as well as the suspected arson attack at the constituency office of Mike Freer. “This is not snowflakery, these are real issues of concern,” she said.
Harman suggested there should be a return to “hybrid” work-from-home practices in the Commons so that MPs who felt that they were “under pressure” did not have to vote in person. Asked whether intimidation was changing the way MPs voted, Harman told LBC: “It certainly has happened in the past.”
Advertisement
No 10 rejected the proposal, arguing that MPs voting and expressing their views in parliament was “fundamental to our democracy and [Sunak] doesn’t want that to change”.
