MEMBERS of the Scottish Parliament have been offered security briefings by the police amid safety concerns following the death of Ann Widdecombe.
Police Scotland offered MSPs security briefings, with one session held on Friday and another due to take place on Monday, after some politicians said they wanted Holyrood’s security arrangements reviewed, according to The Scotsman.
The calls come following the death of the former Conservative minister Widdecombe, who was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, last week.
A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of her murder last week and has since been rearrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
Officers with Counter Terrorism Police have since confirmed Widdecombe was killed in a “targeted attack”.
Scottish Green co-leader Gillian Mackay said it was right to review security arrangements at Holyrood following the “horrific” attack on Widdecombe.
“The Scottish Parliament's security team are excellent, but this is a worrying time for anyone in public life,” she said.
“Horrific attacks like the one on Ann Widdecombe are a stark reminder of the risks.
“When something so serious happens, it's right that we review security arrangements and ask whether the current protections are strong enough.
“The rise of misinformation and the impact of social media have made threats and abuse far more common for MSPs of all parties, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to get away from it.
“We've seen too many good people, particularly women, forced to step away from politics because of the toxic culture that has taken hold online and, too often, in our wider political debate.
“We all have a responsibility to ensure threats against MSPs and their staff are taken seriously, so that no one is afraid to run for election or to stand up for what they believe in.”
Meanwhile, Scottish Liberal Democrat business manager Willie Rennie added: “The Scottish Parliament needs to stay on top of security concerns.
“Parliamentarians are having to take more and more precautions to keep themselves and their staff safe. Everyone should do what they can to take the heat out of our politics.”
An SNP spokesperson said: “It is imperative that all politicians and their staff should be able to go about their duties without fearing for their personal safety.”
A spokesperson for the Scottish Parliament said security arrangements will be kept “under careful review” pending the latest advice from its security partners.
They said: “We take the safety of MSPs and their staff incredibly seriously - both online and in their everyday lives.
“Our security team provides a range of services tailored towards their personal safety and security. We also work closely with Police Scotland and escalate evidence of potentially criminal matters to the force for its action.
“Following the death of Sir David Amess MP, the SPCB [Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body] initiated a major review of personal security provision for MSPs and staff.
“This brought about the introduction of Holyrood’s online threat monitoring service, which is leading in its field and has attracted world-wide interest from other Parliaments.
“The major review also offered all MSPs the option of security assistance at surgery meetings, but this was declined at the time.
“Our security arrangements will be kept under careful review pending latest advice from our security partners.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed that a reminder of available support and advice has been issued to all MSPs and MPs in Scotland.
They said: “Regular communication and briefings are provided by Police Scotland to maximise the safety of politicians, minimise any risk of disruption and ensure a peaceful democratic process.
“We continue to work with partners, including the Scottish government and Electoral Commission.”
