26 March 2024 , 11:24
1123
0
The MP in the neighbouring seat to murdered Sir David Amess has warned that security guards are failing to turn up.
Vicky Ford, who represents Chelmsford in Essex, said that she had been promised protection when holding surgeries. But twice this year the security firm that is supposed to be providing guards has not done so.
Veteran Conservative MP Sir David was stabbed to death in nearby Leigh-on-Sea while holding a constituency surgery in October 2021.
Speaking in the Commons, Ms Ford to MPs: “I want to remind you again how concerned I am about the threats and harassment that women get when standing for Parliament, especially as we get closer to an election.
“I am very concerned about physical security. Two and a half years ago, my Essex neighbour was murdered at his constituency surgery. Last Friday, at my constituency surgery, the security operatives recommended by this Parliament failed to show up for the second time this year.”
Man who 'killed 4 students' was 'creepy' regular at brewery and 'harassed women'
She added: “I am very grateful to the Deputy Prime Minister for recently putting extra money into security for both parliamentarians and candidates, but will he look again at the workings of this House, and at how our security is governed, because that funding is not getting to those of us on the frontline?”
Deputy PM Oliver Dowden, who was answering questions from MPs, said it was a “concerning allegation, which I will take up for the Government, working with the House authorities”.
He added: “As she will be aware, we take the threat exceptionally seriously, which is why we agreed an unprecedented increase in protective security for Members of this House and other elected representatives. We should all take that threat very seriously, not least in the light of the two appalling murders of parliamentarians that I have seen in my time in this House.”
The death of Sir David came after Labour MP Jo Cox was murdered in June 2016 while on her way to meet constituents. She died after being shot and stabbed multiple times in Birstall, West Yorkshire.