MI5 Issues Safe Room Guidance for MPs and Former Members After Targeted Killings

The National Protective Security Authority, part of MI5, published online guidance advising MPs, councillors and foreign dissidents to designate a "safer area" inside their homes. The recommendations include installing fog machines, bulletproof walls, timed indoor lights to simulate occupancy, and clearing bushes that could provide cover for attackers.

The guidance appeared three months before former MP Ann Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon. Counter-terrorism police have described the death as a targeted attack and are investigating whether the suspect, a 28-year-old white British man arrested in South Yorkshire on Saturday, acted from left-wing extremism and planned further strikes on high-profile figures.

The man remains in custody on suspicion of terrorism offences and murder.

The annual cost of protecting MPs outside Parliament now exceeds £20 million, covering CCTV and close protection officers introduced after the 2021 murder of Sir David Amess. After the 2024 election, former MPs may retain installed security at their own expense. Former prime ministers receive lifelong protection, a status that will apply to Sir Keir Starmer.

Nigel Farage stated he receives more than 300 threats a month. A separate man was arrested after threatening to shoot the Reform UK leader, describing himself as a terrorist on social media and writing that he would shoot Farage in the head if he won an election.