Reform UK proposes £100m plan for 24/7 security for all MPs

Reform UK has proposed a security overhaul that would provide all 650 Members of Parliament with "round-the-clock protection" if the party wins the next general election. The plan, announced by the party's home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf during a central London press conference, is estimated to cost up to £100m. In addition to serving MPs, the policy includes the allocation of new resources to safeguard former politicians who remain active in public life, with support determined by individual threat assessments.

Zia Yusuf asserts state failure in political security

The policy announcement follows the death of Reform UK spokeswoman and former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe. While party figures have raised concerns about her safety, police have cautioned against speculation regarding the motive. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman stated that police had no reason to believe the incident was terrorism-related. A 28-year-old man was arrested on 11 July 2026 on suspicion of her murder.

Yusuf argued that the state is currently providing "no protection whatsoever" to his party's representatives, claiming that Reform UK had been forced to arrange its own private security for senior politicians. Yusuf also defended party leader Nigel Farage’s acceptance of donations for private security, citing nearly 600 death threats received by the leader since February. Other reports have stated that Farage has received 1,577 total threats since February, including 597 death threats.

Government and House of Commons response

In his final Prime Minister’s Questions, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed that the government must do more to "defend our democracy." He confirmed he had tasked officials to identify mechanisms to enhance security for elected representatives. Sir Keir also proposed the installation of a memorial shield in the House of Commons to honour Widdecombe, following similar tributes for murdered MPs Jo Cox and Sir David Amess.

A House of Commons spokesperson stated that the safety of members and staff is "fundamental to our democracy." The spokesperson confirmed that security arrangements are subject to rigorous, risk-based assessments conducted by security professionals and police, which remain under continuous review. The Commons declined to share specific costs, noting only that "all MPs are offered appropriate security measures."

Disagreement over security models

The proposal has drawn attention to the existing financial framework for parliamentary safety. Figures from the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) show that security assistance funding for MPs reached £4.38m in 2021/22 and £3.88m in 2022/23. Responsibility for this funding moved from Ipsa to the House of Commons in April 2023.

There is notable disagreement regarding the approach to security. While Reform UK contends that politicians must be able to air views "without fear," others in Westminster have emphasized the importance of accessibility. Labour MP Kim Leadbeater has noted that while MPs must acknowledge associated risks, they generally strive to maintain a balance that allows them to remain reachable to their constituents.

Continued investigations and political tensions

On 16 July 2026, the Metropolitan Police confirmed a man had been arrested and granted bail on suspicion of sending threatening communications to an unnamed MP via social media. The Daily Telegraph reported that the arrest related to a threat to shoot Nigel Farage. Meanwhile, internal political friction persists; a Reform UK source accused Labour MPs of attempting to influence donation laws in a way that would leave their party's lawmakers vulnerable. A Labour spokesperson rejected this, stating their proposed bill does not cap ordinary donations and only applies to foreign money intended to influence British democracy.

As the investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe continues, Andy Burnham, who is due to replace Sir Keir as Prime Minister on 20 July, has stated that he believes a "serious review" is needed into MPs’ security.