Reform UK proposes £100m 'round-the-clock' security plan for MPs

Reform UK proposes £100m 'round-the-clock' security plan for MPsImage source, PA MediaByRichard WheelerPolitical reporterPublished22 minutes agoAll 650 MPs would be provided with "round-the-clock protection" under a Reform UK government, according to Zia Yusuf.The policy is estimated to cost up to £100m and resources would be allocated to protect former politicians still active in public life, the party's home affairs spokesman said.Yusuf said MPs must be able to air their views "without fear" for their lives, with his announcement coming after the death of party spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe.Counter-terrorism police have said the former Conservative MP was killed in a "targeted attack". Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was "truly horrified" by Widdecombe's death, adding: "We must do more to defend our democracy."Ann Widdecombe murder probe: What we know so farPublished17 hours agoReview of MP security needed after Widdecombe death, Burnham saysPublished5 hours agoPugnacious, charismatic and she always answered the question - Chris Mason on Ann WiddecombePublished4 days agoSpeaking in his final Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Keir told the House of Commons: "I've tasked officials across government to identify the best mechanisms for taking this work forward so it can move as quickly as possible." Sir Keir also suggested installing a memorial shield in the Commons to honour Widdecombe. Similar memorials were installed to honour murdered MPs Jo Cox and Sir David Amess.Labour MP Andy Burnham, who is due to replace Sir Keir as PM on 20 July, believes a "serious review" is needed into MPs' security.Figures from the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) showed security assistance funding claimed by MPs totalled £4.38m in 2021/22 and £3.88m in 2022/23.Ipsa said responsibility for security funding passed to the House of Commons in April 2023. A Commons...