Calls for greater protection for politicians amid rising threats
As fears of political violence grow, safety experts working with the new Labour government are calling for greater protection for MPs and politicians across the UK.
In the wake of former President Donald Trump’s attempted assassination, Safepoint is urging UK decision makers to review safety protocols for members of parliament and other public facing officials.
Safepoint has worked with Labour since the run up to the general election to protect its campaigners and canvassers, particularly those who were campaigning alone.
Now the business, which provides apps and devices including wearable panic alarms for lone workers and at-risk staff, are calling for more measures to be implemented to ensure the safety of politicians and those in public facing jobs.
They say that whilst threats and actions of political violence are unfortunately nothing new, social media could be exacerbating aggression and hostility towards MPs.
They also claim social media makes it easier for individuals to gather personal information about politicians, such as their residential addresses and workplaces.
This increases the risk of targeted harassment, stalking, or even physical harm directed at politicians and their families, and highlights a desperate need for better security protocols to be implemented in order to ensure their safety and protection at all times.
The call comes in light of recent events in the US which further highlights the ongoing vulnerabilities and risks associated with public service roles.
Safepoint’s CEO Callum Coombes said: “Our app is designed to provide an additional layer of security, but it’s clear that more comprehensive measures are needed for politicians in the UK and further afield.”
“Social media has revolutionised how we connect and communicate, but it also poses significant risks to public figures – including MPs and politicians. The speed at which threatening information spreads on social media is worsening hostility towards MPs, putting them and their staff under increased pressure and scrutiny.”
“Comparing the UK to the US, we certainly see different levels of risk. However, it’s crucial to recognise the deep-seated emotions and polarisation that exist globally. We must prioritise enabling our politicians to fulfil their duties and serve their constituencies without fear.”
“Thanks to our country’s democratic system, we do have the ability to write to our local MP and go and have a meeting with them. Of course, we don’t want armed guards hanging around, but it’s important that they have the ability to raise the alarm if needed.”
“And whilst MPs in the UK may not face the risk of firearms as in other countries, the prevalence of other serious threats such as harassment, stalking, and intimidation remains a very real concern.”
About Safepoint
Safepoint keeps frontline, at-risk, and lone workers safe through their award-winning apps, clever wearables and devices, and unmatched alarm monitoring system.
From social care and engineering, to hospitality and renewables, businesses in a range of industries use Safepoint to protect their lone workers and at-risk staff, including NHS England, Aldi, Michelin, Specsavers and Mitsubishi.
Safepoint was highly commended in Geovation’s "Protection of Life" award in 2024, which is associated with the Ordnance Survey. The business was also named Tech Nation’s Rising Stars Alumni in 2024, and its CEO Callum Coombes recently won the British Ex-Forces in Business "Entrepreneur of the Year" award.
Interested in protecting your team with Safepoint? Start a completely free trial or book in a demo at safepointapp.com/book-a-meeting.