Government expands police support to political figures who are not MPs

The government announced that police protection will be extended to political figures who are not members of Parliament. The move aims to broaden security provisions for individuals who hold public roles but previously fell outside the existing framework for police support. Shabana Mahmood, a senior Labour politician, criticised the announcement, saying there is "insufficient protection" for those who play a role in public life and urging further measures. The policy change follows concerns that non‑MP public figures may be vulnerable to threats. No detailed criteria for eligibility were released, and the government said it will work with police forces to implement the expanded support.