politics
Farage Accepts Security Meeting Offer After Reform UK Killing
The Independent reported that Nigel Farage accepted an offer from Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood for a meeting with the head of a parliamentary body on security. The move follows the killing of Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe last week in Devon. Reform UK will provide 24-hour security for its MPs.
Jul 13, 5:22 PM·1m read1 source
The IndependentAudio version
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Nigel Farage accepted an offer from Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood for a meeting with the head of a parliamentary body responsible for politicians’ security. The Independent reported that the offer followed concerns raised by Reform UK over protection for its members. The meeting offer came after the killing of Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe last week at her home in Devon.
Police arrested a 28-year-old man on suspicion of murder and launched a terrorism probe into the death. Reform UK said it will provide its MPs with 24-hour security following the killing. The party had earlier stated that the state was providing no protection whatsoever for its MPs.
The Independent reported that Farage turned down a taxpayer-funded security package offered last year that included a trained driver, car, and bodyguard. The package matched the level provided to high-profile Cabinet ministers and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch. Reform UK said the offer came days after the assassination of Charlie Kirk and did not match the threat against Farage.
“Reform took the responsible decision to maintain proper protection rather than gamble with his life,” the statement said. The Independent reported that Reform UK described Farage as the most targeted politician in Britain. The party added that he is the only party leader who meets the public in large numbers on the campaign trail and that he declined a downgraded package.
