SPEAKER Lindsay Hoyle told the Commons that he was “sorry” some MPs didn’t think he took their security seriously, in a veiled dig at Reform UK.
Following a statement on the death of Ann Widdecombe, Hoyle responded to comments made by senior Reform representatives that the Speaker didn’t “care” about the security of their MPs.
Reform are now providing their MPs – and Zia Yusuf – with 24-hour security following the death of Widdecombe on Thursday.
On Monday, Counter Terrorism police said they are now leading the investigation into the former Conservative minister’s death last week.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood offered Reform UK leader Nigel Farage a meeting with the chair of Ravec (Royal and VIP Executive Committee), the parliamentary body responsible for politicians’ security.
It comes after Reform's deputy leader Richard Tice told the Times that “it’s as though someone in the establishment wants us dead”.
Yusuf separately claimed that “none of the government, the speaker nor the police care at all about the security of Reform MPs".
A Commons spokesperson told Huffpost that “all MPs are offered appropriate security measures”, and MPs can have personal security at their surgeries and constituency engagements if they request it.
Mahmood told MPs: “I don't wish to speak for you, Mr Speaker, but I think all those of us who are members can attest to the fact that all of us are treated equally in this place by the Speaker.
“And also for the purposes of the Parliamentary Security department when it comes to our safety on this estate and also in our constituencies.
“Let me say that is a position shared by the Government. There is equal treatment for all in terms of the work that we do on security of Members of Parliament.”
Mahmood then went on to add that the work of Ravec is “fiercely independent”.
Following on from the Home Secretary's comments, Hoyle said: “Just for the record, every member of parliament is equal in their security to me.
“There is no difference between any member I want to assure.
“When things are brought to my attention, because we don't discuss security, I don't put out there what is happening, what has been done, but I reassure everybody that when it is mentioned to me, it is passed on to the security people to deal with.
“Unfortunately, I'm sorry that people don't think I'm doing that.”
It comes as Mahmood told MPs that she would be reviewing guidance for former Members of Parliament in the wake of Widdecombe’s death.
It also emerged that the 28-year-old man allegedly linked to the former Conservative minister’s death was “not known” to the Prevent anti-extremism programme.
Mahmood addressed Reform UK’s concerns about the safety of their MPs during her statement.
“I recognise the particular concern that the Reform Party will feel today, and of course Nigel Farage, the party’s leader,” the Home Secretary said.
“I’m happy to offer a meeting for Mr Farage with the chair of Ravec (Royal and VIP Executive Committee), the independent body within the Home Office that manages the security of those in public life.
“I will also be looking at what security guidance can be provided to former members of Parliament, which I hope to work with you on Mr Speaker, as well as those who serve a party outside of this place.”
Mahmood’s statement followed confirmation that Counter Terrorism police are now leading the investigation into the former Conservative minister’s death last week.
Officers said that "new information and evidence have come to light" and that they would be leading the probe into the Reform UK spokeswoman’s death.
Widdecombe was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor at about 11.40am on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries.
A 28-year-old white British man who was arrested on suspicion of her murder on Saturday has since been rearrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
Mahmood told MPs: “The police now have a suspect in custody, a 28-year-old white British man.
“And I can confirm to the House that this man was not known to Prevent.
“The police have cautioned against speculating about the case – that is the right thing to do for Ann’s family and friends.”
