Asked by: Lord Evans of Weardale (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light of the murder of Jo Cox MP, whether they plan to introduce national co-ordinating arrangements to provide a consistent level of security assistance to MPs or members of the House of Lords who have received direct or implicit threats as a result of their parliamentary duties; and if not, why not.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Following threats to MPs following the Parliamentary debates on Syria late last year, the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA), the police, the Home Office and the House of Commons Security Department worked together to review the security measures available for MPs. Revised security advice and guidance, and a process to access funding for standardised security measures was sent to all MPs in January. In addition enhanced security arrangements are developed on the basis of specific intelligence.
These measures have been reviewed in light of the tragic murder of Jo Cox. Where Members of either House are subject to abusive behaviour or receive threats, these should always be reported to the police.
Asked by: Lord Evans of Weardale (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of whether concerns of MPs about their personal security have adversely affected their confidence in carrying out the full range of their parliamentary duties.
Answered by Lord Bridges of Headley
It is integral to the functioning of our democracy that MPs, Peers, and Ministers are able to carry out the duties without fear for their safety, or that of their staff. The personal security of MP’s is a matter for the House Authorities.
Asked by: Lord Evans of Weardale (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what national co-ordinating arrangements are in place to provide reassurance or security assistance to MPs or members of the House of Lords who receive direct or implicit threats as a result of their parliamentary duties.
Answered by Lord Bates
As the Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP, Leader of the House of Commons, stated during Business of the House of Commons on Thursday 17th December (Hansard Column No 1703), it has been agreed that a standardised approach to security packages will be made available to Members of Parliament and will address the personal security outside Westminster including at constituency offices and their homes and will include consideration of staff safety. The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) will shortly be announcing details of how to access the security packages.