The UK government is to issue a report recommending that police be given the power to close down demonstrations outside MPs’ offices, council buildings and Parliament itself. The report, commissioned after the Commons Speaker, Lindsey Hoyle, cited MPs’ safety for his decision over the handling of a parliamentary debate on the Israel-Hamas war, has examined how best to protect MPs when faced with violence and threats of violence. Demonstrators gathered outside the UK parliament during the discussion on the Gaza ceasefire, and over 10% of UK MPs have said they no longer have confidence in the Speaker over his actions.
More than three years ago, crossbench peer Lord Walney was asked by the UK government to look into how to counteract violence against politicians, and he has now almost completed his review. The report recommends that police powers to break up demonstrations be extended to cover venues associated with democracy, including council offices, MPs’ offices, and Parliament itself. Lord Walney states that the level of intimidation currently experienced by MPs is unacceptable, and that MPs themselves are becoming scared, with such concerns having a “corrosive effect” on their mental health and well-being.
The Speaker’s decision to forego an initial vote on the SNP motion to seek a ceasefire in Gaza resulted in efforts by Labour MP, Graham Morris to put forward an amendment, leading to a chaotic parliamentary session. Speaker Hoyle apologized for his handling of the debate, but said that concerns over the security of MPs were his main priority. Recent months have seen Conservative MP for Finchley and Golders Green, Mike Freer, announce his intention to step down from Parliament due to threats on his life. And two MPs in recent years have been murdered: Labour MP, Jo Cox, and more recently, Conservative MP, Sir David Amess
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