Security for all MPs

I’m not sure that there is an evidence to support the suggestion that MPs who are outspoken are more likely to be targeted, because I think it only takes one violent nutcase with a grudge against somebody for them to be attacked. Neither Jo Cox or David Amess were the best known, or controversial MPs, for example. Ann Widecombe hadn’t been an MP for a number of years, and although she was still active she had no political power. It’s hard to see how to allocate security support to ensure every MP is protected adequately at all times, let alone former politicians. Sorry, I know that’s not much help.

I’ve not seen another thread, I do think security for MPs warrants a thread of its own.

ALL serving MPs are already offered paid security via our government, at the same baseline level.

However some maybe offered further security based on criteria, Mr shingle explain this better than I can.

“ While every serving MP receives a baseline level of protection and support, specific allocations differ based on the following:Routine Security: Every MP is offered baseline measures and a dedicated, named police contact under the national Operation Bridger program. This includes security briefings, advice, and standardized physical upgrades to their homes and constituency offices.Enhanced Security: MPs facing higher or more specific threat levels receive elevated measures, which can include panic alarms, active patrols, and manned guarding at public events.Close Protection: Only a select few MPs (such as the Prime Minister, Home Secretary, and certain senior Cabinet members) are automatically granted permanent close protection (e.g., dedicated bodyguards, official cars, and drivers). An individual MP may have their security elevated to this level only if intelligence indicates an exceptional, severe risk.”

Nigel Farage turned down taxpayer-funded security which reportedly included a trained driver, car, and bodyguard last year because he deemed it “inadequate”.

www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/nigel-farage-reform-security-ann-widdecombe-death-b3014167.html

Institute of Government explainer about MPs' security

www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/mps-security

The issue appears to be that Farage operates differently to other constituency MPs and relishes being controversial, his whole career has been based on it, therefore he believes he is entitled to special treatment.

We have seen how he is always flanked by at least two or three burly men - although that didn’t stop him being milkshaked - so there’s a limit to what can be offered and how effective it would be.

If that milkshake had been acid, his bodyguards wouldn’t have stopped it. If someone had wanted to take a pot shot at him from a roof in Haytor as he performed his wreath laying, his bodyguards would not have been able to stop it. The recent fuss about his daughter, journalists knocking on the door of one of his Kent properties, an address where he is registered as a company director and registered to vote, had no gates, nothing by a security camera as far as I could see.

Ann Widdecombe had a name plate at the end of her drive. She made no secret of where she lived. Her friend, broadcaster Iain Dale, speaking on Newsnight last Friday said she would have the regarded extra security as “stuff and nonsense”.

I suspect what Farage really wants is a permanent Trump-style secret-service detail paid for by the taxpayer but … most of his time is spent on his private money-making activities. As an MP he does very little so where does one draw the line about what he should be afforded?

GrannyGravy13

I started a similar thread the other day, didn’t get a lot of hits

Oh. Sorry.
I wouldnt have seen it myself as I have barely been on here the last few days.

I did look on N&P but couldnt see a similar one.

Which thread please did you start?

The problem is that there are literally hundreds of threats made every day and there is no way of knowing which might be serious. Apparently, research has shown that most online abuse is made by women. But we know that action is mostly taken by men. Whether any of this is relevant I don't know.

All MPs deserve to be safe and to feel safe, as does everyone who works face to face with the pubic. How that can be achieved I don't know, but what I want to see is much more accountability over what is posted, so that the person posting hate or death threats can easily be identified and dealt with. If a society is creating monsters who can threaten others anonymously then that is the problem that needs to be addressed. Surely with AI it should be easier to trace these hateful people and deal with them. If they know they can be identified then the death threats will stop.

I started a similar thread the other day, didn’t get a lot of hits

The above is not very clear.
If someone does not understand what I have written I will try and help.

Basically speaking, do we think that all MPs should have the same level of security?

fwiw, I dont know how it all works at the moment.