Reform UK Proposes £100 Million Security for 650 MPs After Ann Widdecombe Killing
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jul 15
Reform UK Proposes £100 Million Security for 650 MPs After Ann Widdecombe Killing
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jul 15
Summary
£100 million would fund round-the-clock protection for all 650 MPs under a Reform UK government, with extra resources for former politicians still active in public life.
Ann Widdecombe's death drove the proposal after counter-terrorism police said the former Conservative MP was killed in a targeted attack, prompting Zia Yusuf to say politicians must speak without fearing for their lives.
Keir Starmer said he was "truly horrified" and ordered officials to find the fastest way to strengthen protections, while incoming prime minister Andy Burnham backed a serious review of MPs' security.
Current support is far smaller: MPs claimed £4.38 million in security assistance in 2021/22 and £3.88 million in 2022/23 before responsibility shifted to the House of Commons in 2023.
The proposal also sharpened a row over political rhetoric, with Yusuf blaming rivals' language toward Reform while defending his own past use of terms such as "traitors" and "open border lunatics."