Summary
Police in the UK have created a new unit to help tackle the rising threats and abuse against Members of Parliament (MPs). Led by police chief Chris Balmer, this unit aims to improve investigations and provide support to address "anti-democratic crimes." Reports of threats and crimes against MPs have increased significantly since 2019.
Key Facts
- A new democracy protection unit is set up to handle rising threats against MPs in the UK.
- Chris Balmer has been appointed as the police lead for defending democracy.
- Crimes against MPs have doubled since 2019, with almost 1,000 cases reported last year.
- Common threats include harassment, criminal damage, and threats to kill.
- Security Minister Dan Jarvis noted the unprecedented volume of threats against MPs.
- There were 4,064 crimes reported against MPs between 2019 and 2025.
- Security measures for MPs have increased since the murders of Jo Cox and Sir David Amess.
- Labour MP Sam Rushworth experienced threats from a constituent, leading to increased home security.
