Nigel Farage has demanded a £100 million boost to MPs' security following the murder of Reform UK politician Ann Widdecombe. Outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said “we must do more to defend our democracy” during his final Prime Minister's Questions, calling it “chilling” that three sitting or former MPs had been murdered during his 11 years in Parliament.
Starmer Calls for Action on MP Safety
Sir Keir stated: “I believe we must do more to defend our democracy. I have tasked officials across government to identify the best mechanisms for taking this work forward, so it can move as quickly as possible. And I hope the whole House can unite behind that in the months ahead.” He suggested Ms Widdecombe, who served as an MP for 23 years until 2010, could be honoured with a plaque in the Commons Chamber, similar to murdered MPs Jo Cox and Sir David Amess. “I look across at the shield for our dear friend Jo Cox and the shield for Sir David Amess that sits behind me. I know this is a House matter, so this is my personal view, but I do believe it’d be fitting for the House to consider a similar tribute to Ann,” he said.
Reform UK's Security Demands
Reform UK called for the budget for additional security for MPs to be raised from around £4 million to up to £100 million to provide full protection for all who want it. Nigel Farage said he plans to meet the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, the body responsible for security of high-profile figures, following an offer from Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. “I will be in London tomorrow to meet the Home Office committee that deal with VIP and royal protection and really helping them to understand what the threats are,” he said.
Farage's Security Concerns
Mr Farage was reportedly offered a security package similar to Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch last year, including a bodyguard, car and trained driver, but he turned it down because he deemed it a downgrade. He explained: “What happened was I was provided with... much bigger security than Kemi Badenoch. Do you know why? Because I go out around the country and walk down high streets. I go and mix in public events. I’m surrounded by hundreds of people. I can’t do that with a driver and one officer. I have to have people that go ahead, scout out the environment. I need more people because of my constant interaction with huge numbers of the public. What happened last year was they cut that by 75% to the level that I simply could not have continued to operate the way that I was. That really is part of the thinking behind the big gift that I got from Christopher Harborne.”
Controversy Over Widdecombe Murder
Mr Farage’s resignation as Clacton MP paused an investigation by Parliament’s standards commissioner over the £5 million gift he received from crypto-billionaire and Reform donor Christopher Harborne. He has faced criticism for speculating about the motive for the suspected murder of Ms Widdecombe and claimed there is an “establishment narrative” trying to demonise his party. “I do point the finger at political leaders, I do point the finger at much of mainstream media. They are building up a narrative of total hatred against us,” he said.
Incoming PM Backs Security Review
Incoming prime minister Andy Burnham has also said a “serious review” is needed into MPs’ security. The murder of Ann Widdecombe has reignited debates over the safety of elected officials, with cross-party calls for enhanced protection measures.
