Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced that police protection will extend to peers, former MPs and party spokespeople, saying there is "insufficient protection" for those serving in public life.
The expansion covers access to a named police officer and assistance with wider security measures, though Mahmood did not specify the full scope of support. She told MPs in the Commons on Monday that "robust debate and criticism are part of this job - threats, abuse and violence are not."
The announcement follows the murder of Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe in Devon three months ago. Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with her murder and separately charged with preparing acts of terror against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. Prosecutors allege Kerry conducted two years of research on prominent targets and attempted to gain entry to Farage's London home.
Mahmood also launched an independent "root and branch" review into security arrangements for high-profile figures including politicians and royals. Former national security advisor Stephen Lovegrove will lead the review, examining "physical threats, online risks and the dangers posed within our more polarised society". It will report within six months.
The review builds on existing work by Sir Robert Buckland, who is leading a separate inquiry into the 2021 murder of Conservative MP Sir David Amess. Mahmood said politicians deserve protection because "We owe it to them and to everyone who believes in a fair and open country".
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp backed the extension of protective measures, calling threats to elected representatives threats to democracy. Reform UK's home affairs spokesperson Zia Yusuf welcomed the review but said "It is disappointing that it took the murder of one of our colleagues, countless threats towards our party spokespeople and months of campaigning from Reform UK to make this government take action."
The Jo Cox Foundation welcomed the announcement but warned that physical security alone was insufficient. Chief executive Olivia Field said the government must also address "online harms and education to prevent future attacks".
Data released to the BBC in April showed alleged offences against MPs increased year-on-year, with 976 recorded in 2025 compared to 364 in 2019. Death threats reported in 2025 reached 50, up from 31 in 2024. MPs reported 4,064 crimes to the Met's Parliamentary Liaison Team between 2019 and 2025, mostly involving malicious communications, harassment and criminal damage.