Government expands police support to political figures who are not MPs
Political figures who are not serving MPs are to receive police support, the home secretary told Parliament. The measures will include access to a designated police officer and advice on broader security, though she gave no further details.
The announcement came alongside an urgent independent review of protection for prominent people, including politicians and members of the royal family. It is due to report within six months and will run alongside a separate inquiry led by Sir Robert Buckland into the murder of Sir David.
The article also reports that Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with the murder of a woman and with preparing terrorist acts against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
Reform UK’s home affairs spokesperson, Zia Yusuf, welcomed the review but criticised the government for acting only after a colleague’s murder, threats to party spokespeople and campaigning by his party.
From 2019 to 2025, MPs reported 4,064 crimes to the Metropolitan Police’s parliamentary liaison team. Malicious communications were the most common, followed by harassment and criminal damage to buildings. The review is expected to assess how security arrangements should protect high-profile figures.
Key points
- Non-MP political figures will get police support, including a named officer and wider security assistance.
- An independent review of security for prominent people is expected to report within six months.
- MPs reported 4,064 crimes to the Met’s parliamentary liaison team between 2019 and 2025.