Government failing Farage over security, says Jenrick
BBC News 2026-07-14 10:51:19
Context: Reform UK's Treasury spokesman, Robert Jenrick, has accused the UK government of failing to provide adequate security for party leader Nigel Farage, following the alleged murder of Reform's Ann Widdecombe, which is being investigated by counter-terrorism police. The issue has sparked renewed debate over the security offered to politicians, with Jenrick claiming the government had "downgraded" Farage's taxpayer-funded security. Farage is set to meet with the Home Office to discuss his security arrangements.
Key Facts
- Robert Jenrick, Reform UK's Treasury spokesman, accused the government of a "dereliction of duty" over Nigel Farage's taxpayer-funded security, claiming it had previously been "downgraded".
- The downgrade of Farage's security was allegedly a 75% cut, made by parliamentary officials in September last year, with party donors stepping in to cover costs.
- The security package offered to Farage was reportedly similar to that of Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, which Jenrick claimed was insufficient.
- The Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC), staffed by officials from the Home Office, the Cabinet Office, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, is responsible for dealing with high-profile political candidates.
- The Home Office has announced a £31m package to increase security for MPs, following a review into MP security after the death of Conservative MP David Amess in 2021.