Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Security Update

20 October 2021 · 12 other contributors

Opened by Priti Patel Con Witham

Policing & ResourcesCommunity SecurityDemocracy & Elections

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Priti Patel raised concerns about security update in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Operation Bridger was established after Jo Cox's murder to provide security for all Members of Parliament.
  • Each police force reviewed security arrangements for MPs following an attack on a Member.
  • The threat level for MPs is now considered substantial, aligning with the national threat level.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

Priti Patel

Operation Bridger was established following the murder of Jo Cox to provide security measures to all Members. Following Sir David's attack, each police force has reviewed security arrangements for Members. The threat level facing MPs is now deemed substantial, the same as the national threat level. Security and intelligence agencies will reflect this change in their operational posture. The minister urged Members to access available security provisions under Operation Bridger and through relevant departments to protect staff and the public. She emphasised the importance of protecting democracy despite increased threats.

Other contributors (12)
  • Nick Thomas-Symonds Lab Torfaen

    Question

    Is the Home Secretary confident that our police, security services and Members’ security will have the resources they need to guard against this increased threat? Can she say more to Members and their staff about the additional guidance and support that may now be required?

    Minister reply

    The minister responded affirmatively, stating that all relevant organisations are working closely together to ensure adequate resources for security measures. She emphasised the importance of robust guidance and support for Members and their staff.

  • Nick Thomas-Symonds Lab Torfaen

    Question

    Can the Home Secretary update the House on when the wider review she announced of Members’ security will be published? Can she also outline whether she will look more widely at the protection of all those in public life, including those serving in local government?

    Minister reply

    The minister confirmed that a comprehensive review of Members' security is ongoing and will be published soon. She noted an intention to examine broader protections for individuals in public roles, including those in local governance.

  • Nick Thomas-Symonds Lab Torfaen

    Question

    Thanked the Home Secretary and acknowledged the unity in the House following Sir David Amess's tragic death. Asked about resources to protect MPs and staff, additional guidance for Members and their staff, timelines for a wider review of Members' security, and protection measures for all public servants including councillors.

    Minister reply

    Thanked Thomas-Symonds for his comments and acknowledged the joint efforts across the House to defend democracy. Acknowledged Operation Bridger's work and announced that the defending democracy team would look at protecting all elected representatives. Emphasised the importance of not publicly discussing security measures, respecting advice from agencies and police, and continuing to keep Members updated on protective security measures.

  • Julian Lewis Con New Forest East

    Question

    Asked if it is inappropriate for media to ask about MPs' future plans regarding their arrangements and suggested that answering such questions could be self-endangering.

    Minister reply

    Agreed with Lewis's observation, emphasising the need for Members to respect parameters when discussing security measures publicly. Advised listening to advice from agencies and police to ensure greater public protection.

  • Stuart McDonald SNP Glasgow North East

    Question

    Supported the Home Secretary's remarks about protecting democratically elected representatives while also ensuring they can meet constituents. Highlighted the need for cultural change in political harassment and intimidation.

    Minister reply

    Thanked McDonald for his comments, reaffirming the unity of the House to protect democracy and its citizens. Emphasised the importance of safeguarding all aspects of society where important work is done by elected representatives. Acknowledged the online space as a critical area requiring transformational change.

  • John Redwood Con Wokingham

    Question

    Many of us are very worried on behalf of our staff, so can the Home Secretary please make sure that there is good private reassurance, advice and additional support for them? They often face objectionable things too.

    Minister reply

    My right hon. Friend acknowledges the work of staff members who receive abuse directed at MPs. The Home Secretary emphasises that staff should feel assured about their safety and security through measures provided by PLAIT and parliamentary authorities.

  • Yvette Cooper Lab Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley

    Question

    I thank the Home Secretary for her statement and express my thanks for the work of police and Security Service to keep MPs safe. Could she comment on her approach to targeting online that undermines democracy, particularly against black and minority ethnic MPs and women MPs?

    Minister reply

    The Home Secretary acknowledges the appalling abuse faced by female MPs and others. She highlights ongoing efforts through Mr Speaker's office and parliamentary security teams for profiling and support against online abuse.

  • Wendy Chamberlain LD North East Fife

    Question

    Thanking the Home Secretary, the hon. Lady inquires about support available from individual forces to help MPs make decisions regarding the support needed based on threat assessment.

    Minister reply

    The hon. Lady's point is important; national policing leadership ensures consistency across UK police forces for MP support through Operation Bridger and Counter Terrorism Policing. The system will remain agile, updating guidance as necessary.

  • Hilary Benn Lab Leeds South

    Question

    The right hon. Gentleman thanks Mr Speaker for his leadership and expresses appreciation of the Home Secretary's statement on staff support. He asks whether Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority will be part of ensuring consistent messaging about available support and funding.

    Minister reply

    Right hon. Gentleman is correct; IPSA engagement is crucial in providing support to MPs. Mr Speaker’s offices have addressed this diligently, emphasising the need for flexibility.

  • Kirsten Oswald SNP West Tyrone

    Question

    The hon. Lady appreciates Home Secretary's tone and asks about staff members' ongoing support in constituencies, echoing concerns of other MPs.

    Minister reply

    Hon. Lady is correct; engagement with local police forces is crucial for security at constituency level through Operation Bridger.

  • Martin Docherty Lab West Dunbartonshire

    Question

    The hon. Gentleman thanks the Home Secretary and expresses concern over lack of tangible evidence regarding threats to specific MPs, emphasising proactive engagement with local police forces.

    Minister reply

    Hon. Gentleman is correct; agility in response across police forces is necessary for protecting both MPs and public members engaging with them.

Shadow Comment

Nick Thomas-Symonds

The shadow welcomed the Home Secretary's statement, expressing condolences for Sir David's family and paying tribute to his contributions. He acknowledged the heightened threat level but emphasised unity against violence. The Labour MP thanked police and security services for their efforts. Questions were raised about resources for security measures, additional guidance support, publication of a wider review on Members' security, and protection of local government officials. He welcomed swift action on the online harms Bill and criminal sanctions for company executives.

▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy