Key facts
- 78% of MPs' staff surveyed received threatening communication.
- Nearly one in three fear for their own or colleagues' safety.
- 30% of staff frequently fear for their safety, up from 18.7% five years ago.
- One in two parliamentary staff experience clinical levels of psychological distress.
- The Prime Minister plans a review of MPs' security.
Staff working for Members of Parliament (MPs) are demanding enhanced security measures due to a significant rise in threatening communications, physical attacks, and fear for personal safety. A survey of over 500 MPs' staff revealed that 78% have received threatening messages, and nearly one in three fear for their safety or that of their colleagues. This figure represents a substantial increase from five years ago, with 30% of staff now frequently experiencing such fears.
The survey, conducted by the Westminster-based wellness working group (WWG), also highlighted that 73 staffers were frequently exposed to racist or prejudiced language from visitors, and one in four felt pressured to comply with requests that could compromise their safety. The research, carried out by Dr. Ashley Weinberg, found that half of parliamentary staff are experiencing clinical levels of psychological distress, attributed to unsustainable workloads and routine exposure to abuse, threats, and violence.
Many staff members feel that current security arrangements are inadequate, particularly when they are acting as proxies for their MPs in community outreach or official events. They noted that security personnel often only attend when the MP is present, leaving staff vulnerable. The WWG has called for parliamentary authorities to have the power to enforce tighter security measures when MPs or their office managers fail to implement recommendations.
In response to these concerns, Prime Minister Andy Burnham is reportedly planning to announce a review of MPs' security. A House of Commons spokesperson acknowledged the issues raised by staff and stated that they are collaborating with the WWG to improve available support, emphasizing that abuse and intimidation are unacceptable.