Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has stated that increasing security for Members of Parliament in the wake of former minister Ann Widdecombe's murder would be "expensive and pointless." Johnson suggested that efforts should instead be directed toward reducing public anger and invective directed at politicians.
Widdecombe was found dead at her Dartmoor home approximately 10 days prior to Johnson's remarks, an event that has reignited debate surrounding the security of public figures. Allies of Widdecombe, including Nigel Farage, have called for new taxpayer-funded security details for MPs.
The issue of threats against politicians has become more prominent in recent years, with two serving MPs, Jo Cox and David Amess, being murdered in the past decade.
MI5's National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) has issued new guidance suggesting that high-risk individuals, including politicians, should consider creating a secure room within their homes. This guidance advises creating a safe area to evade a potentially violent threat when immediate escape is not possible. The NPSA guidance, released last year and updated in June, specifies that such a room should be large enough to accommodate household members and designed to delay an attacker until emergency services arrive. It also recommends that the space be protected by doors, windows, and walls resistant to forced entry, though it could be an existing room like a bathroom or bedroom.
Speaking to Sky News, Johnson acknowledged the increasing verbal aggression directed at politicians, describing the public discourse as having become "coarser" and "rougher." He posited that this environment might deter individuals from entering public service, particularly if they are concerned about their families facing harassment. "What we could do is dial down the general level of invective," Johnson told Sky News' Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips.
Johnson cited Chancellor Rachel Reeves as an example of how politicians could respond to public confrontation. He referred to an incident in May where Reeves was heckled during a TV interview. The heckler, who appeared to be a Reform UK supporter, shouted at Reeves. She responded by stating, "I love our country. I love our country, and one of the things about our country is good manners. Not very British."
Outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has emphasized the need to "defend our democracy," while his successor, Andy Burnham, has called for a "serious review" of parliamentary security.