An independent review will examine whether current protective security arrangements are adequate amid rising threats, harassment and intimidation against people in public life.
The government statement says: ‘The horrific murder of Ann Widdecombe is one of several recent events to raise serious questions about the security of those in public life,’ describing the new measures as a ‘response’ to this.
As such, the Home Secretary has announced an independent review, to be led by former national security adviser Sir Stephen Lovegrove, which will assess whether existing protections are fit for purpose and whether those facing the greatest risks are receiving adequate support.
According to the Electoral Commission, 55% of candidates at May’s local elections experienced some form of harassment or intimidation. The same proportion of candidates reported such experiences at the 2024 general election
The review will consider security arrangements for high-profile individuals, including members of the Royal Family, government ministers, MPs, locally elected representatives and other prominent figures in British politics. Protection for high-risk sites, including government buildings and diplomatic estates, will also be examined.
The review will look at how security measures are delivered, whether funding is being used effectively and proportionately, and how decisions could be made more consistently in response to identified threats.
Its terms of reference and timetable are still subject to agreement with Sir Stephen. The Home Secretary has said the government will consider recommendations for reform to ensure protections reflect current threats while delivering value for money for taxpayers.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: ‘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.
‘We owe it to those public servants we have tragically lost, and to everyone who believes in a fair and open country, to ensure those who serve receive the protection they deserve.’
Alongside the review, dedicated police support is being extended to a wider range of political figures. Those eligible will include leaders of political parties who are not MPs, peers, former MPs, former members of devolved parliaments and political party spokespeople.
The government said it wanted to ensure that people were not deterred from representing their communities or standing for public office because of fears for their safety.
The government said its wider efforts, coordinated through the Defending Democracy Taskforce, would continue to address threats to democratic institutions and political participation.
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