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Question
Mr Philp asked whether it was reasonable to release the seven suspects arrested at RAF Fairford quickly and whether they pose any risk. He also inquired whether the Government was aware of any threat to RAF Fairford in advance and what actions were taken.
Minister reply
The Home Secretary responded to the concerns raised by Mr Philp, addressing the quick release of suspects and the lack of prior knowledge regarding threats to RAF Fairford. She acknowledged the seriousness of the matter and the ongoing investigations.
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Question
Mr Philp questioned whether the Government should expel Iranian diplomats, especially those involved in hostile activities or espionage, and whether the US withdrawal of B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford was due to security concerns.
Minister reply
The Home Secretary addressed the need for a robust response to state threats and the importance of maintaining diplomatic relations while addressing security concerns. She acknowledged the US withdrawal of bombers and expressed concerns about the safety of military assets.
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Question
Mr Philp raised concerns about the safety of RAF Molesworth and the involvement of any foreign states in incidents there.
Minister reply
The Home Secretary confirmed the need for vigilance and coordination with allied nations to ensure the safety of military assets and personnel. She acknowledged the complexity of the situation and the ongoing investigations.
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Question
Mr Philp provided an update on the police response to Ann Widdecombe's murder and the reopening of the case involving the hon. Member for Clacton.
Minister reply
The Home Secretary reiterated the importance of thorough investigations and the commitment to providing additional police support for political figures. She acknowledged the need for a comprehensive review of protective security measures and thanked the security services for their work.
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Question
Chris Philp thanked the Home Secretary for her statement and expressed support for the security services and police. He inquired about the quick release of suspects from RAF Fairford, the Government's awareness of any threat to RAF Fairford, and whether the Government would take similar action as was taken after the Salisbury attacks by Russia, such as expelling Iranian diplomats involved in hostile activity or espionage. He also questioned the safety of US military assets in the UK and the involvement of any foreign state in the incident at RAF Molesworth.
Minister reply
The Home Secretary responded by emphasising the operational nature of the decision to bail suspects and her confidence in the police to handle the investigation appropriately. She noted that it is important not to prejudge ongoing investigations and that the Government will keep under review all methods to respond to hostile state activity. She also stated that the investigation at RAF Molesworth is at an early stage and that it would not be appropriate to provide a wider commentary while it is still ongoing.
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Question
Gareth Snell thanked the Home Secretary for her statement and expressed support for her work. He emphasised the need for the state to take action against individuals who threaten MPs, peers, and minority communities. He asked what more can be done collectively to bring perpetrators to justice.
Minister reply
The Home Secretary assured that she will use her powers appropriately to limit the threat to communities and will ensure that information is shared appropriately with law enforcement and the public as the investigation progresses. She committed to stress-testing the robustness of arrangements with counter-terror policing and wider criminal justice system partners.
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Question
Expresses support for the police and security services and raises concerns about the coarsening of public discourse towards politicians, the need for protective security for all politicians, and the security review for military bases following recent incidents like the one at RAF Fairford. Also inquires about action against Iranian operatives involved in the incident.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the need to maintain robust political debate without compromising security, calls for vigilance against antisemitism, and confirms ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Defence to ensure appropriate security measures at military bases.
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Question
Concerns British Jews about political prejudice following the Green party's vote to declare Zionism as racism and asks how they can be reassured about their safety.
Minister reply
Explains that it is the responsibility of the Green party to address concerns raised and reassures that all councils must comply with the law to ensure equality for all citizens, including the Jewish community.
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Question
Expresses frustration with the police's inadequate response to threats against MPs and calls for a review of the protective security system.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the need for a review of the protective security system due to its fragmented nature and announces the expansion of Operation Ford to cover more individuals. The minister also confirms the review process will be completed within six months.
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Question
Highlights attacks on places of worship and asks for additional support and funding for other faith communities.
Minister reply
Reaffirms the Government's commitment to protecting all faith communities and announces the allocation of over £70 million for protective security schemes, with specific mention of £40 million for mosques. The minister also emphasises the need for a societal conversation to prevent the descent into a more polarized society.
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Question
Asked about the suggestion that some arrested individuals had Iranian diplomatic immunity, emphasising the terrorism tsar's recommendation for quicker and more detailed information sharing to prevent misinformation.
Minister reply
No one had diplomatic immunity. The Government seeks to work with partners to share information promptly to prevent disinformation, but maintains care to protect the integrity of investigations and ensure accurate information is released without compromising proceedings.
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Question
Concerned about self-appointed uniformed groups patrolling and causing fear in local areas, questioning the adequacy of national guidance and legislation regarding such behavior.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the fear caused by such groups and the need to respect the right to protest while preventing it from chilling others' freedoms. Emphasised the police's responsibility to use available powers, including requiring the removal of face coverings where appropriate.
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Question
Asked about the assessment of ongoing risks and the need for a meeting to discuss lessons learned from the RAF Fairford incident and address residents' concerns.
Minister reply
Recognised the anxiety felt by Whelford residents and acknowledged the police's duty to act swiftly. Agreed to arrange a meeting with the Security Minister to address the concerns.
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Question
Asked about the consideration given to ensuring social media users can be identified, especially in relation to sharing extremist material and inciting hate and terrorism.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the concern and noted that this is a matter for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, while emphasising the impact of age verification on reducing access to pornographic material.
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Question
Asked about the creation of a new specialist mission in Counter Terrorism Policing to disrupt state threats and whether this was creating another silo, given the roles of the Security Service, Counter-Terror Police, and the National Crime Agency.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the right hon. Gentleman's point about silos and committed to setting up a national police service to bring together the National Crime Agency and Counter Terrorism Policing to effectively face complex threats.
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Question
Expressed sympathy for Ann Widdecombe and raised concerns about the rise of antisemitic and hate crimes, including new self-appointed groups door-knocking in Jewish communities.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the new form of protest activity and reiterated that no one is allowed to break the law, harass, threaten, or intimidate. Emphasised the need to respect freedom of protest while ensuring safety and preventing fear.
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Question
The hon. Member seeks assurance that the Home Secretary will ensure that Sir Stephen Lovegrove's review will take into account the different experiences and situations of Members and candidates from devolved Administrations, including Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
Minister reply
The Government recognises the differences in experiences and jurisdictions across devolved Administrations and will ensure that the review takes into account these differences. The review will be a full, end-to-end look at the whole picture of protective security for those in public life.
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Question
The hon. Member asks about measures to ban 'auditors' from certain areas of towns and town centres, highlighting recent incidents in Blackpool where individuals have harassed and intimidated councillors and activists during political campaigns.
Minister reply
The Government encourages local council leaders to work with their local police to address the issue. The Minister will also meet colleagues to discuss the current policy environment and ensure that the balance between maintaining freedoms and protecting individuals is maintained.
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Question
The hon. Member expresses concern over the vulnerability of RAF Molesworth and other bases in his constituency, and suggests the need for better information sharing and awareness among local people regarding protective measures such as Project Servator.
Minister reply
The Minister is willing to arrange a meeting between the hon. Member and the Security Minister, and will also follow up with the Defence Secretary to ensure that everything is happening as it should in his constituency and to improve information sharing.
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Question
The hon. Member asks if the Home Secretary has considered increasing the costs for Iranian activity on British soil as a form of deterrence.
Minister reply
The Government works closely with allies to address threats collectively and ensures that it takes every appropriate measure to protect the British national interest without giving a running commentary on wider discussions.
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Question
The hon. Member inquires about when the Home Secretary first became aware of a list of MPs, former MPs, and VIPs on a kill list and questions the timing of the police contacting him.
Minister reply
The Minister believes that nothing inappropriate has happened in relation to the list and that the investigation is led by the police, who must go where the evidence takes them without political interference.
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Question
The hon. Member welcomes the announcement of an independent review of protective security and asks how the Home Secretary plans to strengthen Operation Ford to ensure elected councillors and candidates receive adequate support and protection.
Minister reply
The Minister will ensure that Operation Ford responds to the threats faced by elected officials and adapts as circumstances change, aiming for a consistent standard based on threat and risk management.
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Question
The hon. Member seeks assurance that infrastructure in Northern Ireland will be a focus of the Government’s work, particularly regarding misinformation portrayed into Northern Ireland politics.
Minister reply
The Minister assures that infrastructure in Northern Ireland is as important as in any other part of the UK, and that there will be no discrepancy in the way the Government approaches the safety and security of Northern Ireland compared with any other part of the UK.
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Question
The hon. Member questions whether the Secretary of State agrees that constituents should always be able to meet their Member of Parliament face-to-face, while acknowledging the new risks posed to elected officials.
Minister reply
The Minister agrees that constituents should be able to meet their MPs and councillors face-to-face, but emphasises the importance of adapting protective measures to ensure that individuals are not put off from entering public life.
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Question
The Home Secretary rightly asks that the public play their part in national security, but we have no serious national framework for civilian resilience. Finland and other countries have demonstrated the value of preparing the civilian population before a crisis. So will the Government seriously consider the Liberal Democrat proposal to establish a dedicated civil defence office and civil volunteer reserve, which would bring together volunteers trained in cyber-security, emergency response and protection of critical national infrastructure?
Minister reply
The Government take very seriously the need to be prepared for all the threats we face across a whole range of public policy concerns, whether national security matters or those related to the environment, and other issues as well. I am sure that I and colleagues across government will always look at all proposals designed to help us be more resilient as a nation, and I know the Prime Minister will have more to say on this in due course.
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Question
It is abundantly clear to me that if the attack on the home of my hon. Friend the Member for Clacton (Nigel Farage) had been properly investigated, instead of brushed aside in some combination of incompetence and political bias, Ann Widdecombe would still be alive today. Instead, she was brutally murdered because of two-tier Britain. Let that sink in to everyone in this place. Why did it take the death of Ann Widdecombe for people to begin at least to wake up to what is happening in this country?
Minister reply
I appreciate that the circumstances of Ann Widdecombe’s murder and also the additional information that has come to light are very distressing, and I have offered sympathy and support from this Dispatch Box before, and I do so again. But I do not think that the distressing nature of these events justifies the charge that the right hon. Member makes, and I do reject that charge. He, as a former Minister, knows how these things work. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating. It is independent of Government and of the police. It will go where the facts take it on the additional incident that is being investigated in relation to the property of the hon. Member for Clacton (Nigel Farage), and it is important that it is able to get on with the job. It is also important that we do not pre-empt the findings of that IOPC investigation. It is working swiftly and will have answers for us quickly, and I know those answers will be debated in this Chamber, but it is important that we do not make findings of fact before the facts are known.
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Question
The RAF Fairford plot was reported in the press as having been foiled by a local resident. She described parked vans as having “strange signage” on them. She said: “I looked at it and thought, ‘That is not real.’” Will the Home Secretary credit this alertness from a member of the public, and will the Government be doing more to encourage this whole-of-society approach to security?
Minister reply
I repeat what I said to all members of the public in my statement: if they see anything suspicious, they should contact the police, as residents did in relation to the incident at RAF Fairford. The hon. Gentleman will know that, as the Defence Secretary has said, there is more to the investigation and how the incident unfolded than is known or said publicly at the moment. That is because the investigation has to be able to continue in the normal way—so there is more to those circumstances. But let me commend the resident in question and all others for doing their civic duty in spotting something suspicious and making sure they call the police. I would urge everybody else, if the same ever happens again, to do the same.
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Question
I thank the Home Secretary for her statement. My constituents are deeply proud of Northern Ireland’s unmatched cyber-security and resilience, but they are also deeply worried about the modern, multi-layered threats confronting our nation. We are seeing unprecedented levels of foreign interference, state-sponsored cyber-warfare, and trans-national repression from hostile states such as China, Iran and Russia, targeting democratic institutions and communities on our own soil. At a time when global instability is worsening, will the Home Secretary reassure the House that this Government will stand firmly behind our intelligence-sharing networks with key democratic allies such as Israel, rather than risking them through short-sighted, one-sided trade or diplomatic restrictions, such as those against Israel?
Minister reply
I assure the hon. Member, as I assured the hon. Member for South Antrim (Robin Swann) earlier, that the Government approach in relation to our people and our places in Northern Ireland is no different from our approach anywhere else in the United Kingdom. Let me also say that the Government value our defence and security and intelligence relationships with all of our allies and partners, and those relationships are important and strong, and they continue. That is also the case in relation to Israel, and we will continue working with our allies and partners to make sure that we are collectively doing everything we can to keep our people safe.