Columnist and commentator Peter Hitchens has argued that recent discussions about security for Members of Parliament and public figures, prompted by an unspecified event involving Ann Widdecombe, miss a larger point. Hitchens stated that while he has no knowledge of Widdecombe's death and will not comment until any legal proceedings conclude, the incident should not be used as a basis for increasing security for politicians. Instead, he asserts that crime of this nature necessitates greater protection for everyone.
Hitchens highlighted that many individuals, unrelated to politics, no longer feel secure in their homes, streets, or on public transportation, citing a "worryingly high" risk of random attacks by individuals experiencing mental health crises. He specifically referenced the advocacy group Hundred Families, which has been drawing attention for years to cases where innocent people are assaulted by strangers.
As an example, Hitchens recounted the 1992 death of Jonathan Zito, who was fatally stabbed by Christopher Clunis, a stranger with severe mental illness. He noted the difficulty in discussing such incidents without facing accusations of prejudice against the mentally ill, while acknowledging that these events do occur.
Julian Hendy of Hundred Families shared his personal experience regarding the killings by Valdo Calocane, whose neighbor reported a strong smell of marijuana from his home. Hendy described how his father was fatally stabbed by a stranger in April 2007. He stated that the attacker had a history of mental illness, drug abuse, and violence, and had been in contact with local mental health services. Hendy has documented approximately 2,468 mental health-related killings since 1993, with an estimated 100 to 120 such homicides occurring annually in the UK.
Hitchens suggested that the lack of public discussion on this issue stems from two factors. Firstly, he pointed to the overloaded mental health system, exacerbated by the closure and sale of most residential mental hospitals after 1985. He indicated that the government is reluctant to address this due to the significant costs associated with rebuilding facilities and hiring staff. Secondly, he noted the sharp increase in illegal drug use, particularly marijuana, which has become a pandemic. Hitchens believes authorities, influenced by those advocating for drug legalization, are hesitant to tackle this problem and maintain incomplete records.
He also touched upon a related issue from October 2000 when, as Shadow Home Secretary, Ann Widdecombe proposed strengthening penalties against marijuana. Her plan was reportedly undermined by Shadow Cabinet colleagues who disclosed their past cannabis use, which Hitchens suggested derailed her career. He further commented that the Scottish Police were wrong to arrest and charge an individual for making "cruel, crass comments" about Widdecombe's death on social media, deeming such actions a moral rather than criminal offense.
Additionally, Hitchens briefly commented on the Thirlwall Inquiry into the case of Lucy Letby, suggesting it was headed for disaster. He cited Sir David Davis MP's remarks in Parliament, which pointed to NHS maternity service failures, including infections and overcrowding, as potential explanations for deaths at the Countess of Chester hospital. Hitchens noted that the inquiry refused Ms. Letby representation and dismissed doubts about her guilt as "noise," while Sir David Davis called for the inquiry's terms of reference to include staffing crises and poor clinical management.