Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the Scottish government concerning security arrangements for (1) members of the Scottish Parliament and their staff, and (2) past members of the Scottish Parliament.

The Home Office remains committed to ensuring that elected representatives across the UK can engage with the public without fear of violence, harassment, abuse or intimidation.

Operation Ford is the Home Office-funded policing capability for elected representatives. It provides a dedicated policing network that supports the provision of security advice, engagement, reassurance and protective security measures where appropriate.

Operation Ford provides support to current and former members of the Scottish Parliament, locally elected representatives across the devolved nations, and candidates for those roles.

Following the Home Secretary’s announcement on 12 October, former Members of Scottish Parliament are now formally within the scope of Operation Ford. This means they can contact the Ford Officer in their local police force for security guidance, briefings and reassurance, regardless of whether a crime has been identified. While Ford Officers do not typically investigate crimes themselves, they can provide support during an investigation and help facilitate regular updates and advice.

The Home Office works with each of the devolved authorities to ensure rigorous provision of security for all devolved elected representatives.