Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party, has renewed his call for the government to provide increased security for political figures, expressing long-standing concerns for his own safety and that of other party leaders. His remarks come in the wake of the death of former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe, who was discovered deceased at her home in Haytor, Devon, last Thursday. A 28-year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of her murder and terror offences.
Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Mr Polanski stated, "I am worried about it both for myself and for all party leaders," adding that he "hadn't been offered anything at all" in terms of additional security until very recently. He highlighted that while two police provisions, Operation Ford and Operation Bridger, offer security support for councillors and MPs respectively, his unique position as both a London Assembly member and a party leader meant he did not initially fall under either.
However, Mr Polanski confirmed that the Home Office has reviewed his situation since the local elections and he now falls under Operation Ford, which he welcomed as providing "some extra safety and some extra steps." The Green Party is also understood to fund some private security for its leader. Mr Polanski has previously spoken about experiencing "heightened intrusion and safety risk" and facing "antisemitic and homophobic abuse" since taking on the leadership role, leading to two police arrests.
The renewed focus on politicians' security follows a growing debate within Westminster. Earlier this week, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham called for a serious review of MPs' security, noting the "darkened" political landscape over the past decade and the perceived impact of social media in fostering toxicity. This discussion also comes after a public disagreement between Reform UK and the government regarding the security arrangements for Reform leader Nigel Farage, with accusations of a "dereliction of duty" from Reform UK's Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick, which the Home Office denied as "categorically untrue."
The safety of politicians has been a significant concern in the UK, particularly after the murders of Conservative MP Sir David Amess in 2021 and Labour MP Jo Cox in 2016. In May 2024, the government announced a £31 million package aimed at enhancing security measures for public figures. However, former head of counter-terrorism policing Neil Basu warned on Tuesday that providing a high level of protection to all 650 MPs would necessitate the recruitment of "thousands" of new police officers.