MPs issued horror warning before Anne Widdecombe was found dead at home after ‘attack
New security advice was given to MPs, councillors and other public figures before the killing of Ann Widdecombe, with officials urging those considered at risk to make their homes more secure against possible attacks.
The guidance was issued by the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA), a branch of MI5 that provides security advice to people who could be targeted because of their public role. Those included Members of Parliament, local councillors and some foreign dissidents living in the UK. One of the key recommendations was for vulnerable individuals to create a designated “safer area” inside their homes where they could quickly take shelter if they believed they were under attack by hostile individuals.
According to the guidance, these safe areas could include additional security measures such as reinforced or bullet-resistant walls. In some cases, the NPSA also suggested installing fog machines that could fill a room with dense smoke, making it much harder for an intruder to see or move around inside the property. Officials also advised homeowners to leave indoor lights on when they were away so their homes appeared occupied, reducing the chance of criminals targeting an empty house. Other recommendations included trimming hedges, bushes and other overgrown plants around properties to remove potential hiding places for anyone planning an attack.
The renewed focus on security comes after the death of former Conservative MP and Reform UK politician Ann Widdecombe. Counter-terrorism police say the 78-year-old was attacked and killed at her home in Haytor, Devon, on Wednesday, July 8. Her death has prompted fresh concerns about the safety of elected representatives and other high-profile public figures across the country.
As investigations continue, a 28-year-old white British man arrested in South Yorkshire remains in police custody. Detectives are questioning him on suspicion of murder as well as the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. Counter-terrorism officers are leading the investigation while they continue to examine the suspect’s background, possible motives and whether anyone else may have been involved.
Ann Widdecombe was well known for expressing strong opinions on issues including immigration, abortion and gay rights throughout her political career. After spending many years in the Conservative Party, she later joined the Brexit Party before becoming a member of Reform UK in 2023. Following her death, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood urged the public not to speculate while the investigation is ongoing. She told Parliament that the suspect was not previously known to the Government’s Prevent programme and stressed that police had asked everyone to avoid jumping to conclusions out of respect for Ann Widdecombe’s family and friends while the investigation continues.
