Police protection for politicians to be reviewed amid rising threats

The review, led by former national security adviser Sir Stephen Lovegrove, will examine whether existing protective security arrangements are adequate in the face of terrorism, extremism, state threats, harassment and intimidation.

It will consider how security resources are allocated, whether existing measures and funding are being used effectively, and how decisions on protection can be made more consistently according to threat and risk.

The review will cover high-profile individuals, including members of the Royal Family, government ministers, MPs, locally elected representatives and other prominent figures in British politics. It will also examine protection for high-risk sites, including government buildings and diplomatic estates.

The Home Office said the review would complement a separate examination by Sir Robert Buckland into the murder of Sir David Amess MP, which will consider the security of MPs in their constituencies.

The Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has also announced an immediate expansion of dedicated police support to political figures who are not currently MPs. This will include peers, former MPs, former members of devolved parliaments, political party leaders who are not MPs and party spokespeople.

Those eligible will have access to a named police officer and assistance with wider security measures.

The announcement comes amid concerns about threats and intimidation directed at elected representatives. Electoral Commission research found that 55 per cent of candidates experienced some form of harassment or intimidation during the May local elections. The same proportion reported such experiences during the 2024 General Election.

Mahmood said threats, abuse and violence against those in public life were unacceptable and that people should not be deterred from standing for office because of fears for their safety.

The review’s terms of reference and timetable remain subject to agreement with Sir Stephen. The Government said it would consider recommendations aimed at ensuring protection is proportionate to current threats while delivering value for money.