Andy Burnham has said that a "serious review" of MP safety is needed, with the investigation into the suspected murder of Ann Widdecombe ongoing. The incoming Prime Minister said that "politics has darkened" in the last decade, speaking in the wake of last week's tragedy.
Burnham's remarks on political toxicity
On why politics has become so dangerous, the Makerfield MP said: "I notice quite a lot of change in the building behind me after 10 years away, no more so than on the question of security. Actually, I was quite shocked to see how much security now has to be in place, and even so, it may need to be increased further. Politics has darkened in the last decade, there’s no getting away from that."
The latest update from the counter-terrorism police investigating Miss Widdecombe's death is that she was killed in a "targeted attack". The 78-year-old was found dead at her home in Haytor, on Dartmoor, in Devon, last Thursday. A 28-year-old white British man remains under arrest on suspicion of commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism, as well as on suspicion of murder. Police have been granted a 'warrant of further detention', allowing him to be held for questioning for up to seven days.
Calls for a security review
Continuing on the topic, Mr Burnham added: "It’s obviously appalling what happened to Ann. I knew Ann over many years in the House, and you know, we would get along, and everybody would get along. But it feels as though something has changed. It’s easy to blame social media, but it feels like it’s having some impact in just building that kind of toxicity that’s around the political debate."
He then said that the issue could not be solved by "easy, glib answers", adding: "I do think we need now a serious review of MPs’ security. I certainly am prepared to do that."
Investigation into social media post
This comes as Scottish police are looking into reports of a social media post that is said to have celebrated Miss Widdecombe's death, and was allegedly made by a University of Aberdeen employee. The post claimed the killing was "good news", adding that they hoped it was an "extremely painful death".
On Tuesday, a Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We received reports on Saturday, July 11 relating to a post made online. Following further assessment, additional enquiries are being carried out." A university spokesperson added: "The comments that have been shared are entirely the individual’s own and do not represent the views of the University of Aberdeen. We do not condone violence or hateful behaviour in any form. We are cooperating with Police Scotland as they carry out their enquiries and cannot comment further."
