UK Expands Police Protection and Orders Security Review

The UK government is extending police support to political figures who do not currently serve in Parliament and launching an independent review of security arrangements for prominent public figures. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced both measures in the House of Commons on Monday, October 12, 2026, following the killing of former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe.

The expanded support takes effect immediately and covers former MPs, peers, party spokespeople, former members of devolved parliaments and party leaders who are not MPs. According to Mahmood, eligible individuals will gain access to a designated police officer and assistance with broader security measures.

The government has also appointed former national security adviser Sir Stephen Lovegrove to lead an independent review of protective arrangements for politicians, members of the royal family and other prominent public figures. The review will examine physical threats, online risks, terrorism, extremism, state threats, harassment and intimidation, with findings due within six months.

Mahmood told MPs that existing arrangements were inadequate for people serving in public life, regardless of the outcome of the investigation into an attempted break-in at Reform UK leader Nigel Farage's home.

"Robust debate and criticism are part of this job - threats, abuse and violence are not." said Shabana Mahmood, Home Secretary.

The review will assess how security is delivered, whether funding and protective measures are proportionate and effective, and how authorities can make decisions more consistently according to threat levels. It will examine the wider system rather than individual security cases.

The announcement follows the death of Widdecombe, who was found at her home in Haytor, Devon, on July 9. She had suffered serious head injuries. Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with her murder and is also accused of conducting online reconnaissance against prominent people and institutions.

According to reporting by The Guardian, Kerry allegedly traveled to Farage's home in south London on April 19, 2025, and attempted to break in approximately 15 months before Widdecombe's death. The charges against him remain allegations.

Mahmood said the government intended to strengthen protections against threats directed at democratic institutions and those who serve the public.

"We owe it to them and to everyone who believes in a fair and open country to ensure that those who serve at all levels receive the protection they deserve," added Shabana Mahmood.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp welcomed the extension of protective measures, arguing that threats against elected representatives also threaten democracy. Reform UK's home affairs spokesperson Zia Yusuf welcomed the review but criticized the government for acting after Widdecombe's death and months of campaigning over threats against party representatives.

The Home Office has previously rejected Reform UK's claim that taxpayer-funded security for Farage had been downgraded, describing the allegation as categorically untrue. Security decisions for sitting MPs and members of the House of Lords are handled by Parliament's security team, while the Royal and VIP Executive Committee oversees arrangements for certain high-profile individuals.

A separate review led by Sir Robert Buckland is examining the murder of Conservative MP Sir David Amess and the security of MPs in their constituencies. Amess was murdered in 2021, while Labour MP Jo Cox was murdered in 2016.

Figures provided to the BBC show that alleged offenses against MPs increased from 364 in 2019 to 976 in 2025. The Metropolitan Police recorded 4,064 crimes reported to its Parliamentary Liaison Team between 2019 and 2025, primarily involving malicious communications, harassment and criminal damage. Reported death threats against MPs rose to 50 in 2025, compared with 31 the previous year.

The Jo Cox Foundation also welcomed the government's announcement, emphasizing that physical protection alone would not address the wider problem of political violence. Chief executive Olivia Field called for action on online harms and education to help prevent future attacks.

The Electoral Commission found that 55% of candidates experienced some form of harassment or intimidation during the May local elections, matching the proportion recorded among candidates in the 2024 general election.