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Security of Elected Representatives
29 February 2024
Lead MP
Thomas Tugendhat
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Northern IrelandCommunity SecurityDemocracy & ElectionsParliamentary Procedure
Other Contributors: 19
At a Glance
Thomas Tugendhat raised concerns about security of elected representatives in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Northern IrelandCommunity SecurityDemocracy & ElectionsParliamentary Procedure
Government Statement
With permission, Madam Deputy Speaker, I would like to make a statement on the security of elected representatives. The speaker highlighted the importance of democracy and the need for elected officials to be able to serve without fear of intimidation or threats. He noted that recent days have seen an increase in community tensions and pressure on MPs to vote according to the loudest voices rather than their conscience or their constituents' wishes. Following a rise in antisemitism and other extremist activities, the Government is committing £31 million to protect elected representatives and ensure democratic processes remain intact. The Operation Bridger network will be expanded to provide dedicated police support for all elected officials and candidates, and additional patrols will be funded by local forces. A new defending democracy policing protocol has been agreed upon, with PCCs and chief constables required to report back on implementation by April.
Dan Jarvis
Lab
Barnsley North
Question
Is the £31 million a one-off uplift, or will it be made available on a recurring basis? How does that relate to Scotland and Northern Ireland?
Minister reply
The additional funding is part of an ongoing effort to ensure the safety of elected representatives. It includes provisions for both immediate support and long-term arrangements. Specific allocations for Scotland and Northern Ireland are being considered in collaboration with local authorities.
Dan Jarvis
Lab
Barnsley North
Question
Can you give an assurance that all who need additional protection will continue to get it, especially during the election year?
Minister reply
Yes, we are committed to ensuring continuous support for those at risk. Operation Bridger will be expanded to cover all candidates and elected representatives, providing them with dedicated police officers and private security as needed.
Dan Jarvis
Lab
Barnsley North
Question
Will work be under way to ensure that Operation Bridger is configured and resourced to provide appropriate support locally?
Minister reply
We are actively working on configuring Operation Bridger to meet local needs. This includes ensuring that councillors, Mayors, and other elected officials receive the necessary protection through partnerships with local police forces.
Dan Jarvis
Lab
Barnsley North
Question
Can you say when a definition of hateful extremism will be brought forward, and outline when an updated counter-extremism strategy will be developed?
Minister reply
We are currently reviewing the existing framework to define hateful extremism more clearly. An updated counter-extremism strategy is expected in the coming months as part of our ongoing efforts to safeguard democracy.
Dan Jarvis
Lab
Barnsley North
Question
Welcomes the £31 million funding but raises questions on its nature, relation to devolved Parliaments, protection during election years, counter-extremism definitions, and cross-party mechanisms.
Minister reply
The £31 million is this year's allocation with consequences flowing into future years. Security of UK democratic process is not devolved; it remains a responsibility of the Government. Measures are being looked at for maintaining security requirements during elections. A definition for counter-extremism exists and work continues to update it.
Peter Bottomley
Con
Billerica
Question
Highlights the need for risk-based analysis in allocating protection, ensuring those most threatened receive adequate support.
Minister reply
Agrees with a risk-based approach and confirms that credible threats will be prioritised. Provides an example of a constituency MP requiring a stab vest due to nationalist movement threats.
Kirsty Blackman
SNP
Aberdeen North
Question
Asked about the assessment of threats from far-right and Islamic extremists, Police Scotland funding for mitigating risks, and reassurance that there will be adequate funding for forces expected to carry out this work.
Minister reply
Acknowledged concerns over funding and stated that any extra requirements and Op Bridger network would be funded centrally. Emphasised the importance of democratic representation and encouraged individuals to stand for election without fear.
Caroline Nokes
Con
Romsey and Southampton North
Question
Urged caution regarding risk assessments, particularly when it comes to protecting women, people of colour, LGBTQ Members, and the involvement of conspiracy theorists in politics.
Minister reply
Agreed with concerns raised by Caroline Nokes.
Stella Creasy
Lab Co-op
Walthamstow
Question
Asked about protection offered to families based on risk analysis, and questioned the seriousness of threats posed by 527 groups.
Minister reply
Clarified that family members are covered if threatened. Stated that £31 million is additional funding not replacing existing security measures. Acknowledged concerns regarding 527 groups.
Question
Called for a Committee to monitor the effectiveness of the Online Safety Act and make recommendations on tackling anti-democratic abuse fuelled online.
Minister reply
Acknowledged Maria Miller's points about the Online Safety Act but did not commit to immediate action.
Dawn Butler
Lab
Brent East
Question
Questioned why the Government was abandoning work on hate crime despite recent reports of rising antisemitic and Islamophobic abuse.
Minister reply
Clarified that the Government is not abandoning work on hate crime, emphasised recognition of racism in all its forms including anti-Muslim hatred. Mentioned concerns regarding extremist activity within communities.
David Mundell
Con
Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
Question
Expresses concern that the deployment of police to protect MPs during demonstrations might displace resources from protecting constituents. Asks for assurance that this will not happen.
Minister reply
Reassures Mr Mundell that the statement is about ensuring constituents’ voices are defended and their values, expressions, and choices stand protected; emphasises that protection of wider society will not be compromised to protect MPs.
Wendy Chamberlain
Lib Dem
North East Fife
Question
Thanks the Minister for his statement and asks for a letter sent to all Scottish MPs clarifying the application of the defending democracy protocol. Requests continued social media monitoring during election periods for risk assessment.
Minister reply
Agrees to send letters with clarity on the protocol's UK-wide applicability; confirms that social media monitoring will continue post-election, provided by both the House and Government elements.
Hayes and Harlington
Question
Welcomes security measures but cautions against misusing words regarding national demonstrations. Emphasises that protests have been peaceful.
Minister reply
Proudly asserts Britain’s remarkable nature, acknowledges the need for care in language used about demonstrations, highlighting proper handling of hate and racism.
Florence Eshalomi
Lab Co-op
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
Question
Thanks the Minister and asks how hustings will work in practice; also enquires about support for staff members.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the need to strengthen up for upcoming events, supports flexibility regarding staff needs, offers funding to police forces for appropriate support.
Pete Wishart
SNP
Perth and Kinross-shire
Question
Concerned about precedent changes due to safety concerns and seeks assurance that such practices will not be repeated.
Minister reply
Reiterates the need to reject outside forces, including mobs, echoing Speaker Lenthall’s stance on rejecting external coercion in favour of the sovereignty of British people.
Andrew Gwynne
Ind
Gorton and Denton
Question
I have been subject to serious threats, including death threats. I have physical security at my house due to police investigations into harassment and a pending Crown court case. The Minister will understand the gut-wrenching anxiety and dismay when political figures seek to politicise the measures taken for my safety.
Minister reply
Security for MPs is not a luxury but an essential burden that intrudes on their personal lives. It is deeply disturbing that anyone’s children should be targeted or threatened, and I hope the whole House will condemn criticism of security measures.
Question
MPs must be safe to express their views without facing threats or abuse. However, the Prime Minister's comments about mob rule and some of the Minister’s statements today distort events for political reasons, detracting from real risks and challenging legitimate peaceful protests.
Minister reply
I have been honest in speaking truthfully about the nature of recent protests and their aims to silence voices and end democratic processes. If one does not like this truth, they should reconsider supporting such actions.
Shadow Comment
Dan Jarvis
Shadow Comment
The shadow minister welcomed the £31 million funding but expressed concerns about its long-term impact and distribution. He emphasised the need for protective measures while addressing underlying causes of intimidation, such as online polarisation and division. The Labour MP sought clarity on whether the funding was a one-off or recurring, how it would affect Scotland and Northern Ireland, and assurances that all candidates and elected representatives would receive necessary protection during the upcoming general election campaign. He also inquired about defining hateful extremism and updating the counter-extremism strategy.
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