UK’s Reform proposes round-the-clock protection for MPs after politician’s death

Britain’s populist Reform UK has called for all lawmakers to be given “full security” if they want it after the alleged murder of Ann Widdecombe, a prominent member of the party led by veteran Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage.

At a news conference, Zia Yusuf, Reform’s home affairs policy chief, accused other politicians and the media of fuelling hostility towards the party, which, he said, had led to death threats against Mr Farage and other lawmakers. Paying tribute to Ms Widdecombe, a 78-year-old former Conservative minister who was found dead in her home last week, Mr Yusuf said lawmakers needed better security provision.

In Britain, politicians are no strangers to abuse from the public, but in recent years many lawmakers have said the tone has become increasingly ugly and dangerous, with some changing their routines and behaviour to avoid confrontation. Mr Yusuf said Mr Farage, who is under pressure over funds he received from wealthy donors, had received almost 600 death threats since February. Security measures were bolstered after Ms Cox’s murder, with lawmakers being offered panic buttons and additional locks at their homes and offices. After Mr Amess’s murder, the Conservative government and parliament offered lawmakers trained security protection when meeting voters.

Hours after Mr Yusuf spoke, the Metropolitan Police said a man had been arrested and granted bail on suspicion of sending threatening communications to an unnamed member of parliament in a social media post made in May. The Daily Telegraph newspaper said the arrest was related to a threat to shoot Mr Farage.

Outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in a tribute to Ms Widdecombe in the House of Commons, on Wednesday local time, also said: “We must do more to defend our democracy”.