Commons Speaker slaps down Reform UK over claims he doesn't 'care at all' about safety of party's MPs in wake of Ann Widdecombe 'murder'

By GREG HEFFER, POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT Published: 17:35, 13 July 2026 | Updated: 17:37, 13 July 2026 The Speaker of the House of Commons today hit back at claims by Reform UK that he doesn't 'care at all' about the safety of the party's MPs. Sir Lindsay Hoyle said that 'every MP is equal' when it comes to their security arrangements as he dismissed allegations from senior Reform figures. Allies of Reform leader Nigel Farage have complained about the level of security given to them following the suspected murder of Ann Widdecombe. The 78-year-old, a former Tory minister who was later a Reform spokeswoman, was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor on Thursday. Reform is now said to be paying for round-the-clock security for their MPs, as well as their home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf, due to fears of a potential copycat attack.  The party has also accused the police, the Government and Commons officials of ignoring their recent pleas for help. Richard Tice, the Boston and Skegness MP and Reform's deputy leader, said: 'It's as though someone in the establishment wants us dead. We're treated differently because of our views.' Mr Yusuf said: 'The state is providing no protection whatsoever. In fact, based on what I have seen in the last 48 hours, none of the Government, the Speaker nor the police care at all about the security of Reform MPs. Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Commons Speaker, said that 'every MP is equal' when it comes to their security arrangements as he dismissed allegations from senior Reform figures Allies of Reform leader Nigel Farage have complained about the level of security given to them following the suspected murder of Ann Widdecombe Zia Yusuf (left) and Richard Tice (right) are pictured paying their respects near the home of Ms Widdecombe in Haytor, Dartmoor 'Several of our MPs have written to the above in recent months about distressing, escalating security concerns, asking for help. Their correspondence was not even replied to.' But, speaking in the Commons on Monday afternoon, Sir Lindsay - who is said to have been left furious by the claims - dismissed suggestions Reform MPs are treated differently. 'Just for the record, every MP is equal in their security to me,' he told the Commons. 'There is no difference between any member, I want to assure you. 'When things are brought to my attention, because we don't discuss security, I don't put out what is happening, what is being 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 do that.' It came as Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood offered to arrange a meeting between Mr Farage and the head of a parliamentary body responsible for politicians' security. Ms Mahmood also said she would be assessing security advice for former MPs in the wake of Ms Widdecombe's death. She said: 'I recognise the particular concern that the Reform Party will feel today, and of course Nigel Farage, the party's leader. '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.' Mr Farage later posted on X: 'Thank you for this offer Shabana Mahmood. 'I will meet with the Chair of RAVEC and discuss the security of all Reform politicians, including those who are not MPs.' Karen Bradley, the Conservative MP for Staffordshire Moorlands who chairs the Commons Home Affairs Committee, said she wanted to 'thank Staffordshire Police' for contacting her over the weekend and visiting her home to review her security. 'I know police forces across the country will be doing that and I'm very grateful to them for taking that time,' Dame Karen added. Counter-terrorism police are now leading the investigation into the death of Ms Widdecombe. The head of UK counter-terrorism policing, Laurence Taylor, said that new information and evidence had come to light during the police investigation into her murder. 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. Ms Mahmood said the suspect was not known to the Government anti-extremism scheme Prevent. A Commons spokesman stressed that 'all MPs are offered appropriate security measures'. 'The ability of members and their staff to perform their parliamentary duties safely, both on and off the estate, is fundamental to our democracy,' they said. 'Any assessment of an individual MP's security arrangements or advice is subject to a rigorous risk-based assessment, conducted by security professionals and with input from the police and a range of professional authorities. 'These are naturally kept under continuous review. 'All MPs are offered appropriate security measures but we do not comment on specific cases or details of those measures so as not to compromise the safety of MPs, parliamentary staff or members of the public.' Sir Lindsay has previously said that MPs' safety 'keeps me awake at night', while he recently held a conference to consider the threats against politicians and make recommendations on how to respond. It is understood Mr Farage, who recently quit as MP for Clacton in order to force a by-election, was given the same level of security arrangements as Labour's Angela Rayner when she was deputy prime minister. A Home Office spokesperson said: 'The Home Office has expanded police support for MPs away from the Parliamentary estate, including by funding a full-time network of police officers to support MPs, locally elected representatives and candidates across the UK.' Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.