A senior Reform UK politician has used a press conference to accuse other politicians of "incitement" with their claims Reform is a threat after Ann Widdecombe’s death.
Zia Yusuf, the party’s spokesperson for home affairs, said: “I can tell you about the climate in which she was killed - a relentless narrative from politicians and the media, that Reform UK is a threat.
“A threat to be urgently stopped,” he added. “A narrative so relentless it constitutes incitement.”
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Counter Terrorism Policing head Laurence Taylor said Ms Widdecombe’s death was a “targeted attack”, and said whether the suspect in the alleged murder was targeting Reform UK figures will be a “line of investigation”.
The Guardian reported that investigators are considering whether left wing, anarchist and single-issue terrorism (LASIT) played a role in the suspect’s alleged motivation, but are keeping an open mind as new material emerges.
A 28-year-old man, who was arrested in Rotherham on Saturday on suspicion of murder, has since been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
Read MoreMy MP wife was murdered – I know what is going through Ann Widdecombe’s family’s mind
Ann Widdecombe murder investigation: What the media can and can’t report
Counterterrorism police refuse to rule out foreign interference in Ann Widdecombe’s death
Key Points
- Farage claims prime minister told him Ann Widdecombe's death was 'botched burglary'
- Man arrested over social media post threatening to shoot Nigel Farage
- Counter-terrorism police 'considering left-wing motive’ in killing of Ann Widdecombe
- Police investigating social media post ‘celebrating’ Ann Widdecombe’s death
- Suspect's uncle describes him as a 'gentle giant'
Watch: Starmer calls for Ann Widdecombe memorial plaque in Commons in tribute
22:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSuspect's uncle describes him as a 'gentle giant'
21:18 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe uncle of the man suspected of Ann Widdecombe's murder has described his nephew as a "gentle giant" who is "polite" and "very shy".
Speaking to The Telegraph, the 73-year-old said "never in a million years" did he think his nephew would be linked to her death, adding he was "in total shock" when he found out about the arrest.
He also paid tribute to Ms Widdecombe, who he said was "forthright, strident, and principled".
Comment: After the killing of Ann Widdecombe, Count Binface is suddenly a lot less funny
21:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe former MP’s murder has rekindled the debate over how to protect our politicians – and turned the Clacton by-election into a sombre affair, says John Rentoul.
After the killing of Ann Widdecombe, Count Binface is suddenly a lot less funny
What happened to Ann Widdecombe?
20:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe suspected murder of veteran politician Ann Widdecombe is being investigated as an act of terrorism, police have said.
Counter-terror police (CTP) have re-arrested a 28-year-old man on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. He was originally taken into custody in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Saturday evening on suspicion of murder, after Devon and Cornwall Police had previously said there was nothing to suggest the attack was terrorism-related.
Police were called to Ms Widdecombe’s property in Haytor at around 11.40am on Thursday, nearly 24 hours after she abruptly stopped responding to messages minutes before a scheduled interview.
CTP said on Monday that “new information and evidence” had come to light, which meant they were now leading the investigation and would pursue multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack.
Here’s what we know about what happened to Ann Widdecombe:
What happened to Ann Widdecombe?
Nigel Farage to meet security chief on Thursday
19:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneNigel Farage has said he plans to meet the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC), the body responsible for the security of high-profile figures, on Thursday following an offer from Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.
“I will be in London tomorrow to meet the Home Office committee that deal with VIP and royal protection and really helping them to understand what the threats are,” he told TalkTV on Wednesday.
Mr Farage was reportedly offered a security package similar to Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch last year, including a bodyguard, car and trained driver, but he turned it down because he deemed it a downgrade.
He said: “What happened was I was provided with… much bigger security than Kemi Badenoch.
“Do you know why? Because I go out around the country and walk down high streets. I go and mix in public events. I’m surrounded by hundreds of people.
“I can’t do that with a driver and one officer. I have to have people that go ahead, scout out the environment. I need more people because of my constant interaction with huge numbers of the public.
“What happened last year was they cut that by 75% to the level that I simply could not have continued to operate the way that I was.
“That really is part of the thinking behind the big gift that I got from Christopher Harborne.”
Watch: Nigel Farage claims Keir Starmer told him Ann Widdecombe’s death was 'burglary gone wrong'
18:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAnn Widdecombe murder investigation: What the media can and can’t report
16:42 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe suspect held on suspicion of murdering Ann Widdecombe continues to be questioned by police.
The former Conservative minister, later a Reform UK spokesperson and Brexit Party MEP, was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, on Thursday.
Counterterrorism police are now leading the investigation into her death after new evidence came to light.
A 28-year-old white British man who was arrested on suspicion of Widdecombe’s murder on Saturday has since been rearrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
But Downing Street stressed the importance of protecting the “integrity” of the investigation.
You can read more about what the media can and can’t report below:
Ann Widdecombe murder investigation: What the media can and can’t report
Man arrested over social media post threatening to shoot Nigel Farage
16:07 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA man has been arrested on suspicion of sending threatening communications to an MP over an X post threatening to shoot Nigel Farage.
The suspect was arrested on Tuesday over the social media entry from May, at the time of the local elections, that said: ‘I am going to shoot you in the head if you win’, according to The Telegraph.
Mr Farage formally resigned from Parliament last week but was MP for Clacton when the offence allegedly occurred.
The Metropolitan Police did not name Mr Farage, but said in a statement: “On Tuesday, July 14 a man in his 20s was arrested by Met officers on suspicion of sending threatening communications to a Member of Parliament.
“The arrest relates to a social media post from earlier this year, which was reported to police on Friday, May 8. After receiving the report, detectives submitted an application to a social media platform to gain access to the user’s contact information.
“After the relevant information was returned to detectives the man was arrested, with support from local Met officers, at a residential address in south London. After being held in police custody overnight, he has since been bailed pending further enquiries.”
Watch: Ann Widdecombe gave interview defending Nigel Farage minutes before killing
16:00 , Bryony GoochPolitics explained: Should Farage be offered better state protection?
15:30 , Bryony Gooch
Should Farage be offered better state protection after murder of Widdecombe?
Watch: Zia Yusuf accuses rivals of ‘incitement’ after Ann Widdecombe killing
15:00 , Bryony GoochBurnham demands ‘serious review’ of MP security after Widdecombe death
14:30 , Bryony Gooch
Burnham calls for ‘serious review’ of MP security after Ann Widdecombe murder
Lib Dem leader pays tribute to Ann Widdecombe, confessing jealousy at Strictly appearance
14:16 , Bryony GoochLiberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said he has “always been slightly jealous of Ann (Widdecombe) for appearing on Strictly Come Dancing”, as he backed the prime minister’s suggestion of a permanent tribute to the former MP in the House of Commons.
Ms Widdecombe appeared on the BBC dance show in 2010.
Sir Ed said Ms Widdecombe “devoted her life to public service – and her murder was truly horrifying”.
Opposite Sir Keir Starmer at Prime Minister’s Questions, the Lib Dem leader told the Commons: “I support his campaign now for a memorial in this chamber to her.
“Can I also thank the leader of the opposition (Kemi Badenoch) for her tribute to Ann, to remind the whole house and the whole country that we need to remember Ann for the way she lived her life?
“I have to make a confession – I’ve always been slightly jealous of Ann for appearing on Strictly Come Dancing.”
To laughter from MPs, Sir Keir replied: “He’s clearly angling to go on Strictly Come Dancing, and no doubt he’d be very good at it.”
Watch: Starmer calls memorial plaque in Commons in Ann Widdecombe tribute
14:00 , Bryony GoochBadenoch pays tribute to Ann Widdecombe who 'always remained part of the Conservative family'
13:30 , Bryony GoochConservative leader Kemi Badenoch began Prime Minister’s Questions by paying tribute to former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe, who was killed last week.
Mrs Badenoch thanked Sir Keir Starmer for his response on Friday.
She said: “She was a woman of high principle, profound beliefs with a wicked sense of humour. A wonderful combination of being a serious person who did not take herself too seriously.
“She changed her faith from Anglican to Catholic, and from the Conservative Party to the Brexit Party, but she always remained part of the Conservative family.
“You may not always have agreed with her, but Ann Widdecombe was a woman who said what she meant, and meant what she said. Hers was an honesty that made our politics better. Her wit and forthrightness sat alongside a deep humanity and decency.
“She had wonderful turns of phrase, she said we need less political correctness, and more political courage. She said if we deny our culture, become nothing and everything, that weakens us, and finally she also said it is a truth universally unacknowledged at Westminster that there is life after politics.”
Sir Keir replied: “I know that the hurt is keenly felt across all her friends and family, but it is particularly keenly felt by political colleagues in the Conservative Party for many years, and in Reform as well – that’s why one of the first things I did Friday was to phone the leader of the opposition, and leader and deputy leader of Reform to express my condolences and try to act in a cross-party manner, because I knew how much this would hurt them and their parties, and many people in their party.”
Starmer tasks officials across government to better 'defend our democracy' amid Ann Widdecombe death
13:00 , Bryony GoochSir Keir Starmer said he has “tasked officials across government to identify the best mechanisms” to better “defend our democracy”.
He told the Commons: “I’ve tasked officials across government to identify the best mechanisms for taking this work forward so it can move as quickly as possible.
“And I hope the whole House can unite behind that in the months ahead.”
Sir Keir also paid tribute to Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, telling him: “You have been instrumental in defending the safety of every member of this House.”
Watch: Zia Yusuf dodges question over threat assessment in proposed MP safety policy
12:31 , Bryony GoochStarmer says more must be done to defend democracy amid Ann Widdecombe's murder
12:07 , Bryony GoochSir Keir Starmer has said “we must do more to defend our democracy” in the wake of Ann Widdecombe’s murder.
The prime minister paid tribute to the late politician following her killing last week, telling MPs he was “truly horrified.”
“She was a distinguished politician with deep convictions (and a) vivid and fearless character,” he told MPs.
He said it was chilling that during his own 11 years in the Commons, three serving or former MPs have been killed.
He mentioned the two murdered MPs as he said: “I look across at the shield for our dear friend Jo Cox and the shield for Sir David Ames, that sits behind me.
“Now, Mr Speaker, I know this is a House matter, so this is my personal view. But I do believe it is befitting for the House to consider a similar tribute to Ann.”
Fact check: Zia Yusuf claims police race action plans 'embed clearly structural anti-white prejudice'
12:01 , Bryony GoochAs part of the press conference, responding to questions about whether the UK police were biased against Reform UK, Zia Yusuf claimed that the police race action plans introduced following the death of George Floyd in America "embed clearly structural anti-white prejudice".
He said: "The police are literally being trained to not be colour blind, to not treat people the same, to treat differences in outcome as a problem in and of themselves. Those are literally inside the plans."
As the United States protested in the summer of 2020 following the death of George Floyd at the hands of police officers in Minneapolis, demonstrations also took place in the UK to show solidarity and reflect on a history of police brutality in the UK.
The police race action plans set out following these UK protests included commitments to diversify misconduct panels and provide anti-racism training so that reports of racist behaviour or actions by officers were taken seriously.
The plan laid out changes in hopes that in the future Black people and communities would not be “over-policed” and were instead “treated in a fair and equitable way.”
Charities and police organisations have since reported that institutional racism against ethnic minorities, particularly Black people, remains an issue for British police forces.
Amnesty International reported last year: “Almost three-quarters of police forces have attempted to predict crime by racially profiling communities across the UK.”
The IOPC reported in 2024: “Individuals from a Black or Black British background were searched at a rate five times higher than that of those from a White ethnic group.”
A report by INQUEST in 2023 said: “Black people are seven times more likely to die than White people following the use of restraint by police.”
Farage claims prime minister told him Ann Widdecombe's death was 'botched burglary'
11:27 , Bryony GoochNigel Farage has claimed that the prime minister and Devon and Cornwall Police told him Ann Widdecombe’s killing was “a burglary that’s gone wrong”.
Police had initially said on Friday that there was “no information” at this time to suggest it was a “politically-motivated crime” prior to Counter Terrorism Police taking the lead on the investigation on Monday, revealing that new information and evidence had come to light.
Mr Farage told TalkTV: “I spoke to the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police three times, I spoke to the Prime Minister as well. And those calls took place over Friday and Saturday.
“And they both told me it’s a burglary that’s gone wrong. I said no it is not, a burglar does not park his car on your drive and walk into the house. A burglar parks in the lay-by down the road and has a getaway driver.
“I went to Dartmoor on Saturday and said I had no doubt this is a premeditated murder. I received tons of abuse for saying it, but sadly it’s proved that I’m right. It was obvious.”
Zia Yusuf dodges The Independent's question about who would undertake threat assessments for proposed policy
11:19 , Bryony GoochThe Independent’s Kate Devlin has asked who would undertake the threat assessment as part of Reform UK’s policy.
“Obviously, the police and the security services have been doing threat assessments on the threats to politicians since they were being targeted by the IRA. What makes you think that your system would be better? And are you suggesting that your policy would be so successful that no violent perpetrators would be able to get around it?”
Mr Yusuf has answered: “Nobody could ever make such a promise. No system is perfect, and all we can try to do is minimise the risk that something like this happens again. Look, in terms of the threat assessments, it's not just whether there's a threat assessment; it is at what the threshold is at which point you deploy resources.
“So, you know, I've got no evidence that threat assessments themselves documents coming back. Again, I'm not privy to them, but I've got no evidence that those are inadequate. But what I think is absolutely inadequate is the budget and resource being allocated against that.”
Fact check: Zia Yusuf accuses Labour MPs of 'incitement' - here are there quotes contextualised
11:10 , Bryony GoochZia Yusuf read quotes from Labour MPs about the late Ann Widdecombe as he accised rival politicians of “incitement”.
He accused David Lammy of calling Ms Widdecombe a “poisonous bigot” who wants to “drag us back to the 19th century,” and “throw minorities out in the cold on the way.”
Mr Lammy actually said Ms Widdecombe was “Absolutely poisonous. Bigots like Ann Widdecombe want to drag us back to the 19th century, throwing minorities out in the cold on the way. We must stand up to them before it is too late.”
This was in response to Ms Widdecombe’s claims in 2019 that a cure for homosexuality could be possible.
He said former health secretary Wes Streeting said: "If only science had a cure for Ann Widdecombe.”
This was also in response to Ms Widdecombe’s comments on gay cure therapy.
Mr Yusuf cited a tweet from Jess Phillips, where she said: “Anne Widdecombe better go this week. She is a little fascist beast.”
Ms Phillips made the post in November 2010, saying “Ann Widdecombe better go this week not only is she a little fascist beast but also an anti abortionist, what a lovely women (sic)”.
This post was written while Ms Widdecombe was taking part in Strictly Come Dancing.
Yusuf defends his own comments calling the Tories 'traitors' and Starmer 'sick and depraved' after condemning criticism of Reform
10:58 , Bryony GoochZia Yusuf has defended comments made by Reform UK after BBC Radio 4’s Alex Forsyth raised the point that he had called the prime minister “sick and depraved”, and said the Tories are “open borders lunatics who deserve their extinction”.
He said: “I think there's a clear difference between some of the things you've read out there, and if we're comparing them not to the obvious death threats.
“Obviously, we can't compare those things. I think those are clear for anybody in this room. Those are not controversial.
“But comparing them to some of the comments from existing members of the government, by the way, likening reform to the Nazis, likening reform to the fascists regimes that are clearly the most brutal and horrific in history, and saying that they pose an urgent threat that need to be stopped. I think those are in a different category.”
'I do not want to see another politician killed in this country,' Zia Yusuf says
10:53 , Bryony GoochThe Independent’s Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
The senior Reform figure said: “I do not want to see another politician killed in this country. I do not want to see what happened to Ann happen to anyone.
“This has to stop.”
Reform to ensure MPs receive full security if they win next general election, Yusuf says
10:52 , Bryony GoochZia Yusuf has declared that if Reform win the next general election, they will call for full security to be provided to all MPs.
“If Reform win the next general election as Home Secretary, I will ensure that all members of Parliament of all parties are provided with round-the-clock protection.
“We will also allocate significant new resources to protect former politicians still active in public life.
“No matter how much I, Nigel, Richard, or anyone else may disagree with your views, if you are an MP, you must be able to air them without fear.”
Zia Yusuf accuses other politicians of ‘incitement’ with their claims Reform is a threat
10:39 , Bryony GoochKate Devlin, Whitehall editor, reports:
Zia Yusuf has used a press conference to accuse other politicians of "incitement" with their claims Reform is a threat after Ann Widdecombe’s death.
He said: “I can tell you about the climate in which she was killed - a relentless narrative from politicians and the media, that Reform UK is a threat.
“A threat to be urgently stopped.“A narrative so relentless it constitutes incitement.”
Recap: The last 24 hours in the police investigation
10:30 , Bryony GoochPolice have provided some significant updates into their murder investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe over the last 24 hours.
On Tuesday, Counter Terrorism Policing, who are leading the probe, said a 28-year-old white male suspect remains in police custody for questioning. He was arrested on suspicion of murder and terrorism offences.
Detectives held a press conference on Tuesday where they said the attack on Ms Widdecombe was “clearly targeted”.
They also said they could not rule out foreign actors playing a role in Ms Widdecombe’s killing, but would not give detail on any specific motivation.
Reform’s Zia Yusuf to give a press conference shortly
10:26 , Bryony GoochThe Independent’s Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
Senior Reform figure Zia Yusuf is about to give a press conference in Westminster, days after he accused the police of not caring about the security of his party’s MPs.
In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, at the weekend Reform’s home affairs spokesman Mr Yusuf said: “Based on what I have seen in the last 48 hours, none of the government, the Speaker nor the police care at all about the security of Reform MPs.
“Several of our MPs have written to the above in recent months about distressing, escalating security concerns, asking for help. Their correspondence was not even replied to. I will let you draw your own conclusions from this.”
Watch: Ann Widdecombe murder was 'targeted attack', say counterterrorism police
10:00 , Bryony GoochAnn Widdecombe murder suspect: What we know about man as counterterror police granted more time for questioning
09:30 , Bryony Gooch
Ann Widdecombe: What we know about suspect being questioned by counterterror police
Recap: Police investigating social media post ‘celebrating’ Ann Widdecombe’s death
09:00 , Bryony GoochPolice are looking into reports of a social media post that apparently celebrated the death of Ann Widdecombe, who was killed in a “targeted attack”.
The post, allegedly made by a University of Aberdeen employee, claimed the former MP’s killing was “good news” and that they had hoped it was an “extremely painful death”.
On Tuesday, a Police Scotland spokesperson said the force was looking into the incident.
They added: “We received reports on Saturday, July 11 relating to a post made online.
“Following further assessment, additional enquiries are being carried out.”
A spokesperson for the university said: “The comments that have been shared are entirely the individual’s own and do not represent the views of the University of Aberdeen.
“We do not condone violence or hateful behaviour in any form.
“We are cooperating with Police Scotland as they carry out their enquiries and cannot comment further.”
My MP wife was murdered – I know what is going through Ann Widdecombe’s family’s mind
08:36 , Bryony Gooch
My MP wife was murdered – I know what is going through Ann Widdecombe’s family’s mind
Counter-terrorism police 'considering left-wing motive’ in killing of Ann Widdecombe
08:16 , Bryony GoochCounter-terrorism police are probing whether the suspect held over Ann Widdecombe’s killing was motivated by left-wing extremism, it has been reported.
Detectives confirmed Ms Widdecombe’s death was a “targeted attack”, and said whether the suspect in the alleged murder was targeting Reform UK figures will be a “line of investigation”.
The Guardian has reported that investigators are considering whether left-wing, anarchist and single-issue terrorism (LASIT) played a role in the suspect’s alleged motivation, but are keeping an open mind as new material emerges.
In pictures: Counter-terrorism police chief gives update on Tuesday
08:00 , Bryony Gooch
Watch: Devon and Cornwall police defend handling of Ann Widdecombe murder case
07:44 , Bryony GoochBurnham says 'serious review' into MP safety needed
07:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAndy Burnham has said a “serious review” was needed into MPs’ security following the suspected murder of Ann Widdecombe.
The incoming prime minister said politics has “darkened” in the near decade since he was last in Westminster and protections may need to be “increased further.”
Asked why he thought frontline politics had become so dangerous for serving and former politicians, the recently elected Makerfield MP told reporters outside the Commons: “I notice quite a lot of change in the building behind me 10 years away, no more so than on the question of security.
“Actually, I was quite shocked to see how much security now has to be in place, and even so, it may need to be increased further.
“Politics has darkened in the last decade, there’s no getting away from that.”
What to expect as investigation into Ann Widdecombe's death continues
06:00 , Nicole Wootton-CanePolice will continue to quiz the man arrested on suspicion of Ann Widdecombe’s death on Wednesday.
Officers confirmed they have been granted a warrant of further detention under the Terrorism Act, which allows them to hold the suspect for seven days from the date of his arrest.
Meanwhile, questions over the safety and security of politicians and former politicians are expected to continue.
Watch: Ann Widdecombe gave interview defending Nigel Farage minutes before killing
04:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneGoogle AI meant it took me 9 seconds to find Ann Widdecombe’s full address and directions to her house
03:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneGoogle’s AI policy says it restricts personal information such as addresses from its AI summaries - but Ann Widdecombe’s Haytor address was spelled out in full.
Jacqui Merrington reports:
Google AI gave me Ann Widdecombe’s full address in 9 seconds
Jeremy Vine moved to tears on live show after death of Ann Widdecombe as he reveals politician’s final texts
02:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneJeremy Vine was moved to tears live on air during a discussion about Ann Widdecombe’s death.
Counter-terrorism police are now leading the investigation into the former Conservative minister’s death after new evidence came to light.
The 78-year-old, latterly a Reform UK spokesperson, was found dead at her home in Devon on Thursday (9 July).
A 28-year-old white British man who was arrested on suspicion of her murder on Saturday has since been rearrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism.
On Monday (13 July), the Channel 5 presenter became emotional after guest Iain Dale recalled how positively Ms Widdecombe spoke of Mr Vine and his team.
“Well, that is too much to hear today. Thank you so much, Iain,” he said as he choked back tears.
Mr Vine went on to explain that Ms Widdecombe was scheduled to make an appearance on Channel 5’s Matt Allwright show on Wednesday (8 July) but stopped returning messages, which he read out live on air.
Jeremy Vine moved to tears on live show after death of Ann Widdecombe
Comment: After the killing of Ann Widdecombe, Count Binface is suddenly a lot less funny
01:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe former MP’s murder has rekindled the debate over how to protect our politicians – and turned the Clacton by-election into a sombre affair, says John Rentoul.
After the killing of Ann Widdecombe, Count Binface is suddenly a lot less funny
Ann Widdecombe’s final messages sent minutes before death revealed
Wednesday 15 July 2026 00:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAnn Widdecombe stopped responding to text messages just moments before police believe she was attacked, newly released exchanges reveal.
Police said on Saturday that they believe Ms Widdecombe was likely attacked on Wednesday at around 12.30pm, nearly 24 hours before she was found dead at her Dartmoor home.
The former Tory minister had been preparing to appear remotely as a guest on Channel 5’s Matt Allwright show when she suddenly stopped responding to a producer, according to ITV News.
WhatsApp exchanges seen by the broadcaster show the last message from Ms Widdecombe came at 12.19pm, reading: “Received! Panic over!!”
You can read more below:
Ann Widdecombe’s final messages sent minutes before death revealed
Mahmood urged to consider 'buffer zones' outside MPs offices
Tuesday 14 July 2026 23:51 , Nicole Wootton-CaneShabana Mahmood has been urged to consider enforcing “buffer zones” around MP’s offices to keep them safe in the wake of Ann Widdecombe’s death.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Lord Walney, the former government adviser on political violence, urged the Home Secretary to adopt the measures which would see nyone breaching the zone faced prosecution and fines enforced by police, councils or other law enforcement agencies.
“We have entered an era in which activists across the political spectrum believe that the importance of their cause justifies intimidation, disruption and, in some cases, violence,” Lord Walney said in a letter to Ms Mahmood.
“Elected representatives are being confronted in ways that go well beyond robust democratic engagement. The disruption of council meetings, constituency surgeries and other democratic forums by organised activists creates an atmosphere of implied physical menace even where no overt violence occurs.
“Such tactics are not designed to win arguments. They are designed to silence, subdue and intimidate those exercising democratic responsibilities.”
Tour of Ann Widdecombe’s Devon house aired on TV days before she was found dead
Tuesday 14 July 2026 23:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA video tour of Ann Widdecombe’s remote Devon home aired on television a week before she was found murdered inside her home.
The former Conservative prisons minister and Reform party spokesperson is understood to have first invited cameras into her bungalow in Haytor, Dartmoor, back in 2022.
However, the episode of Celebrity Yorkshire Auction House was re-broadcast on Quest at 6pm on Thursday 2 July, according to listings.
In the show, Widdecombe gives host Angus Ashworth a guided tour of the home, which she purchased for an estimated £600,000 in 2008, including her library and some of her antiques.
You can read more below:
Tour of Ann Widdecombe’s Devon house aired on TV days before she was found dead
Watch: Counter terrorism police take over investigation into Ann Widdecombe's death after arrest
Tuesday 14 July 2026 22:00 , Nicole Wootton-CanePoliticians facing ‘horrific’ culture of violence, Cabinet minister says
Tuesday 14 July 2026 21:00 , Nicole Wootton-CanePoliticians face a “horrific” culture of violence which has become worse in recent years, a Cabinet minister has warned.
Treasury Chief Secretary Lucy Rigby said it was a “sad and troubling” reality that the threats facing MPs and others in public life had increased.
The alleged murder of former Tory minister and Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe has heightened concerns at Westminster about the security risks facing current and former MPs.
Ms Rigby told BBC Breakfast: “There is just this 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.
“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.”
She said MPs were offered increased security, adding: “I think it’s really troubling – more than troubling, it’s pretty horrific, really – this increased culture of violence that affects those in public life.
“I know plenty of people of both genders, although they tend to be more women, who have thought to themselves – thought very hard – about standing for Parliament, or even standing to be a councillor for their local authority, because of threats of violence, violent threats involving people’s families.
“It’s horrific that we have to deal with this, but we do.”
Watch: Ann Widdecombe murder suspect ‘not known to anti-terror Prevent programme,' says home secretary
Tuesday 14 July 2026 20:30 , Nicole Wootton-CanePolice confirm attack has not been declared terrorist incident
Tuesday 14 July 2026 20:00 , Nicole Wootton-CanePolice confirmed on Tuesday that the attack on Ann Widdecombe has not been declared a terrorist incident.
Counterterror officers said they are investigation terrorist offences, but that the murder investigation and the terrorism probe are two separate investigations at this time.
Head of counterterrorism policing Laurence Taylor told reporters: “It is clear that this was a targeted attack.
“We are still working to understand the extent of any planning or preparation, and the motivation that sits behind that attack.
“I wouldn’t want to comment on what that motivation was.
“The two investigations are running in parallel.”
Comment: My MP wife was murdered – I know what is going through Ann Widdecombe’s family’s mind
Tuesday 14 July 2026 19:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe death of another political figure has reopened old wounds for Brendan Cox, whose wife was killed by an extremist in 2016. He writes, that unless Britain tackles the mainstreaming of political violence, more lives – and democracy itself – are at risk.
My MP wife was murdered – I know what is going through Ann Widdecombe’s family’s mind
