Jenrick criticises government for not offering Farage earlier security meeting

Robert Jenrick said Nigel Farage had been offered a ‘comprehensive plan’ for security but it was then downgraded. Photograph: Stefan Rousseau/PA

Robert Jenrick has criticised the government for not offering Nigel Farage a security meeting earlier, saying it has only happened “as a result” of the death of Ann Widdecombe.

The Reform UK Treasury spokesperson claimed ministers had chosen not to give Farage the security “that he needed”, and had only agreed to arrange a meeting with the chair of the royal and VIP executive committee (Ravec), the body responsible for the security of high-profile figures, “as a result of Ann Widdecombe’s appalling murder”.