All 650 MPs would be placed under round-the-clock protection under a Reform UK government, the party's home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf has announced, unveiling a plan estimated to cost up to £100m. The policy comes after counter-terrorism police confirmed that former Conservative MP and Reform party spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe was killed in a "targeted attack".
Speaking at a central London press conference, Yusuf said MPs must be able to air their views "without fear" for their lives. Resources would also be allocated to protect former politicians still active in public life, he added. The proposal would see security funding, which totalled £4.38m in 2021/22 and £3.88m in 2022/23 according to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, increase dramatically. Responsibility for security funding passed to the House of Commons in April 2023; a Commons spokesperson declined to share specific costs but said "all MPs are offered appropriate security measures."
“Reform UK proposes £100m round-the-clock security for all MPs after Ann Widdecombe's targeted killing.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, speaking in his final PMQs, said he was "truly horrified" by Widdecombe's death and added: "We must do more to defend our democracy." He tasked officials across government to identify mechanisms to accelerate security work and suggested installing a memorial shield in the Commons to honour Widdecombe, similar to those for murdered MPs Jo Cox and Sir David Amess. Labour MP Andy Burnham, due to replace Starmer as PM on 20 July, believes a "serious review" of MP security is needed.
Yusuf denied the plan would mean pulling bobbies off the beat to protect politicians. He told The Sun: "I want to reiterate this is a place where we do need to spend money. I do not want to see another politician, regardless of party, or former politician, murdered." He criticised language used by rival parties about Reform, saying: "They must stop equating us to murderous regimes that butchered tens of millions of people." Yusuf also said Reform leader Nigel Farage "lives his life under the ever-present threat of mortal danger" and those who "question his need for security should stop."
Separately, a man in his 20s has been arrested for allegedly threatening to shoot Farage, after making the threat on X on 8 May, the day after the local elections. Yusuf's announcement underscores the heightened security concerns facing politicians, as the investigation into Widdecombe's murder continues and the nation grapples with how to protect its elected representatives.