𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Reform UK has demanded more security for MPs after Ann Widdecombe’s killing. The party called for the budget to be raised from about £4million to up to £100million to provide full protection for those who want it.

Counter-terrorism police have said Miss Widdecombe was killed in a “targeted attack” and her death has sparked a wider conversation about the safety of MPs. Reform’s home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf said: “Ann Widdecombe gave 40 years of her life to public service. Most recently, as an MEP for the Brexit Party, and then as a spokesperson for Reform UK. She was a titan of British politics. Forthright, principled, and guided by her faith. She did not deserve to be killed in her home.

“Ann’s alleged murder is being investigated by counter-terror police as a targeted killing. In light of these developments, attacking Nigel and Reform UK MPs for ‘speculating’ is unacceptable and unjustified.

“More generally, our elected representatives deserve to feel safe while they go about their jobs. Instead, the state cuts their security. This is shameful. It’s clear that the budget for MP security must be increased immediately. That’s exactly what we’re calling for today.”

Reform leader Nigel Farage has said he plans to meet the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, the body responsible for the security of high-profile figures, on Thursday following an offer from Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.

He told TalkTV: “I will be in London tomorrow to meet the Home Office committee that deals with VIP and royal protection and really helping them to understand what the threats are.”

Mr Farage was reportedly offered a security package similar to Tory leader Kemi Badenoch last year, including a bodyguard, car and trained driver, but he turned it down because he deemed it a downgrade.

He said: “What happened was I was provided with … much bigger security than Kemi Badenoch. Do you know why? Because I go out around the country and walk down high streets. I go and mix in public events. I’m surrounded by hundreds of people.

“I can’t do that with a driver and one officer. I have to have people that go ahead, scout out the environment. I need more people because of my constant interaction with huge numbers of the public.

“What happened last year was they cut that by 75% to the level that I simply could not have continued to operate the way that I was. That really is part of the thinking behind the big gift that I got from Christopher Harborne.”

Incoming prime minister Andy Burnham has said a “serious review” is needed into MPs’ security.