Richard Jeffries
Guest Reporter
Labour MPs face heightened risks of attack over controversial policies including inheritance tax plans and winter fuel allowance cuts, a leading security expert has warned.
Philip Grindell, who specialises in protecting politicians, says there is growing unhappiness with Labour over the contentious issues.
"Some of the Government policies caused a 'deeply emotional response'," said Grindell, highlighting concerns about potential threats to parliamentarians.
The security specialist warned that while most people will simply express dissatisfaction, those on the fringes could become increasingly dangerous.
"Some will become fixated on their grievances and may become dangerous," he cautioned, urging politicians to take immediate action to protect themselves from disgruntled individuals angered by recent Budget measures.
Grindell brings significant expertise to these security concerns, having previously served as a detective advising Parliament on MP safety following the killing of Jo Cox.
He now leads security consultancy Defuse Global, where he continues to advocate for enhanced protection of politicians.
His warnings come amid what he describes as "a growing list of grievances" that have emerged since the Budget.
"Politicians need to take action themselves to reduce the risk that they may be harmed by disgruntled individuals angered by the controversial measures outlined in the Budget," Grindell said.
The former detective expressed particular concern about the government's approach to addressing these grievances, noting that the current stance leaves little room for negotiation.
Grindell emphasised that the current political climate poses specific risks, particularly when policies trigger strong emotional reactions.
"While the vast majority will express deep dissatisfaction, those on the fringes may become increasingly angry and could take more direct action," he warned.
In response to the concerns, Grindell has outlined five crucial safety recommendations for MPs.
He emphasises the importance of accepting and implementing security advice from police and parliamentary security teams.
MPs should ensure comprehensive security measures are in place, particularly in constituency offices where attacks are more likely than at home addresses.
Before constituent meetings, Grindell advises MPs to consult with police about potential risks from individuals they plan to meet.
Meeting room setup is crucial for safety. "The room should have a desk or a table to create a barrier, and the MP should be sitting nearest to the door," he explains.
Visitors should be seated furthest from exits, as Grindell notes this arrangement has proven critical: "Under no circumstances should the visitor be allowed to sit closest to the door, as it could give them the opportunity to block access in the event of a confrontation."
Find Out More...