The death of Sir David Amess on Friday has led to an increased focus on MPs’ security. In the hours following the attack, some police forces sent officers to constituency surgeries, offering protection at MPs’ offices and checking in on both MPs and local councillors to assess their concerns. Now, in a joint statement, the Home Secretary Priti Patel and Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle have written to members across the House to set out their steps for keeping honourable members safe when they are undertaking local duties.
According to an email seen by Mr S, from this Friday a trained and accredited Security Operative will be available to come to MPs’ constituency surgeries to offer security advice. The letter – co-signed by both Patel and Hoyle – tells MPs that ‘if you intend to hold a physical surgery, I urge you to take up this service’ by contacting the Members’ Security Support Service.
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This support however ‘is in addition to, and is not intended to replace any existing security arrangements you may have in place or the engagement that should occur with the police.’
