Jenrick accuses government of playing politics with Farage security
Reform UK has accused the government of withholding necessary security from Nigel Farage until a spokesperson's murder forced its hand, exposing deep political friction over the safety of Britain's public figures.
Robert Jenrick, the Reform UK Treasury spokesperson, has accused the government of delaying a security meeting for Nigel Farage until the murder of Ann Widdecombe forced its hand. He argued that the home secretary could have arranged a meeting with the royal and VIP executive committee (Ravec) a year or two ago, but deliberately chose not to.
"The government chose not to give Nigel the security that he needed. They now have, as a result of Ann Widdecombe’s appalling murder, offered him a meeting," Jenrick told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. He claimed this amounted to playing politics with the safety of politicians, suggesting it happened "because they don’t like the views the Reform politicians take forward."
On the same programme, Jenrick was challenged by presenter Nick Robinson over whether the focus on security was a tactic to divert national attention away from a £5m gift received by Farage. Jenrick dismissed the suggestion, maintaining that Reform politicians were being penalised for fighting the establishment.
The public dispute follows reports that Farage had previously refused a state-funded security package comprising a bodyguard, a secure car and a trained driver. Jenrick confirmed the rejection, arguing that the offer followed a broader reduction in Farage's protection arrangements after his election to parliament. He noted that Farage had initially been given a comprehensive plan before it was mysteriously downgraded.
On Monday, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood provided Farage with a personal offer to meet with Ravec, maintaining that protection is offered to all MPs on an equal basis. Addressing the Commons, Mahmood said Widdecombe’s death had raised urgent questions about the security of former MPs and politicians from smaller parties who are not in parliament.
Farage accepted the invitation on X, stating he would meet with the committee to discuss the security of all Reform politicians. Counter-terrorism police are currently investigating Widdecombe's murder, having arrested and rearrested a 28-year-old man from Rotheram on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
The political clash over VIP protection underscores a deteriorating environment for British public figures. Treasury minister Lucy Rigby pointed to an "increasing climate of abuse and intimidation, including via social media, and in the very worst cases, extreme violence."
"I certainly wish that we didn’t live in a country where this was a fact of life," Rigby told BBC Breakfast. "We need members of parliament, but everyone involved in public life, to be able to go about their work freely. This is key to living in a democracy."
