Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

New funding to help protect MPs from threats

While announcing the package, Home Secretary James Cleverly said no MP should have to accept threats or harassment as “part of the job”.

New funding to help protect MPs from threats

The government has announced a £31m package to help improve the security measures for MPs who are facing threats or harassment, according to media reports.

The measures will include the provision of bodyguards for MPs most at risk and additional police patrols in response to increased community tensions, BBC reports.


While making the announcement Home Secretary James Cleverly said no MP should have to accept threats or harassment as "part of the job".

He will also be meeting police chiefs on Wednesday (28) to discuss measures to improve the safety of MPs.

MPs' safety has become a major concern since the outbreak of the war in Gaza.

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle had last week cited threats to politicians for his controversial handling of a debate on calls for a ceasefire in the conflict.

The Home Office said the funding package would be used to increase private sector security provisions for those facing greater risk and to expand cyber security advice to locally elected representatives, BBC reports.

A few days ago three women MPs were provided bodyguards and chauffeur-driven cars amid rising concerns about their safety. The names of the MPs were not disclosed but they include both Tory and Labour members.

Several MPs have earlier spoken about the increased threats they have been receiving lately. Labour MP Preet Gill has said receiving death threats has become a 'norm'.

Earlier Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner had told Sky News that she no longer goes out socially because of threats and abuse. She recently had to be escorted from a fundraiser that was interrupted by protesters angry at Labour's stance on Gaza.

Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood's home was targeted by pro-Palestinian protesters early this month.

His party colleague and Tory MP Mike Freer has said he was standing down at the next election, after death threats and an alleged arson attack on his constituency office.

Security Minister Tom Tugendhat said the attempts to intimidate MPs are a threat to our democracy.

Recently a dentist was convicted for writing tweets threatening Brent North MP Barry Gardiner.

In recent years two MPs were killed by assailants - Jo Cox in 2016 and Sir David Amess in 2021.

More For You

Southport

Floral tributes left by members of the public are seen following the fatal knife attack on three young girls in July in Southport.

Reuters

Public inquiry begins into Southport girls' murders

A PUBLIC inquiry begins on Tuesday into the murders of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport last year.

The inquiry will examine whether the attack could have been prevented and how future incidents might be avoided.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less