Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has stated that increasing security for Members of Parliament would be "expensive and pointless." His comments come in the wake of the murder of ex-minister Ann Widdecombe and have reignited a debate over the safety of politicians.
Reform UK, a party associated with Nigel Farage, has advocated for taxpayer-funded guards following Widdecombe's death at her Dartmoor home earlier this month. However, Johnson argued that efforts should instead focus on mitigating public animosity towards political figures.
"I think people are more verbally aggressive with each other than [before]. I feel it's got a bit coarser, a bit rougher," Johnson told Sky News. "What I think about all this is that actually it's probably expensive and pointless to try to raise everybody's level of security. But what we could do is dial down the general level of invective."
Johnson also referenced an incident earlier this year where Chancellor Rachel Reeves confronted a heckler. He praised Reeves' response, stating, "I think she's been an appalling Chancellor. But I thought Rachel Reeves was very good at that petrol station when she stood up to someone."
Reeves was heckled during a TV interview about fuel duty in May by a man who questioned her about potential arrest due to displaying St George's flags on his vehicle. She responded by saying, "I love our country, and one of the things about our country is good manners. Not very British."
The debate over politician security has intensified following the murders of Labour MP Jo Cox and Conservative MP Sir David Amess in the past decade. MI5 has reportedly suggested that high-profile individuals, including politicians, should consider installing safe rooms in their homes to evade potential attackers when escape is not possible. A 28-year-old suspect remains in police custody in connection with Widdecombe's murder.