UK parliamentary figures are concerned about their safety as the death of former Conservative MP Anne Widdecombe has shocked those in the public eye.
Anne Widdecombe’s death is being investigated by counter-terrorism police who said she was killed in a “targeted attack.”
Outgoing UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “truly horrified” by her death.
He added that “…we must do more to defend our democracy.”
The PM told the House of Commons: “I’ve tasked officials across government to identify the best mechanisms for taking this work forward so it can move as quickly as possible.”
A memorial shield may be placed in the Commons to honour Widdecombe.
Shields are already in place which honour murdered MPs Jo Cox and Sir David Amess.
Incoming Labour MP Andy Burnham said a “serious review” is needed into MPs’ security.
Ziauddin Yusuf, Reform UK’s spokesperson for home affairs, said all 650 MPs would be provided with “round-the-clock protection” under a Reform UK government.
He estimated the cost at £100m and added that resources would also be allocated to protect former politicians still active in public life.
The current bill for MPs’ security stood at £4.38m in 2021/22 and £3.88m in 2022/23 according to figures from the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority.
Yusuf claimed that Reform leader Nigel Farage “…lives his life under the ever-present threat of mortal danger.”
He told the media: “Politicians from other parties are perfectly entitled to disagree with our policies and criticise us.
“They’re of course free to criticise us. But they must stop equating us to murderous regimes that butchered tens of millions of people and committed some of the greatest horrors in history.
“I do not want to see what happened to Anne happen ever again. This has to stop.”
“If Reform wins the next general election, as home secretary I will ensure all Members of Parliament of all parties are provided with round-the-clock protection.
“We will also allocate significant new resources to protect former politicians still active in public life.”
Yusuf himself has come under criticism for the language he has used to describe fellow MPs and political parties.
