by Paul Birch, spiked
The authorities seem more interested in managing public discussion than in solving crime.
The chilling murder of Ann Widdecombe has stunned the country. The longtime Conservative MP and Reform immigration spokeswoman was found at her remote home in Dartmoor, Devon, with severe head injuries last Thursday. The suspected attack is believed to have taken place on Wednesday.
Naturally, Widdecombe’s death has raised questions about the safety of current and former MPs. In the past decade, Labour MP Jo Cox and Conservative MP Sir David Amess have been murdered. There was also an attack on Labour MP Stephen Timms, thankfully not fatal, in 2010.
Threats against politicians have increased significantly in recent years, owing to the unholy alliance of technology and political polarisation. A review of MPs’ security is plainly necessary. Reform UK, in particular, has criticised the lack of support for its MPs. Yet the distress caused by Widdecombe’s murder has been heightened by a lack of clear information from officials – most notably the police – and a shifting account of Widdecombe’s death.
Also on spiked: Why Ann Widdecombe’s murder has shaken Britain. Podcast with Claire Fox, Tom Slater and Hugo Timms