Election security warning to MPs
MPS are being reminded to remain vigilant and will receive security advice ahead of the General Election on June 8.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council has said it will be writing to all MPs to set out security advice and guidance.
The NPCC brings police forces in the UK together to help policing coordinate operations, reform, improve and provide value for money.
While some of the biggest threats to public safety are national and international it says the organisation has a “collective strength by coordinating the operational response across forces”.
MPs will be reminded they can get in touch with their local police force should they have any concerns about their security when in parliamentary constituencies, with the message also applying to all candidates and campaigning team members.
It follows the Westminster attack on March 22. PC Keith Palmer, 48, mother-of-two Aysha Frade, and US tourist Kurt Cochran, were killed at the scene and 75-year-old Leslie Arthur Rhodes’ life support was withdrawn in hospital while Romanian tourist Andreea Cristea, 31, died later from her injuries after being knocked from Westminster Bridge into the River Thames during the attack.
Attacker Khalid Masood also died.
It also follows the death of Labour MP Jo Cox in June 2016, who was killed after being shot and stabbed outside a library in Birstall.
Her killing provoked a wave of shock around the UK and across the world.
A National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) spokesperson said: “Police work closely with the Palace of Westminster authorities and the Home Office to provide Protective Security advice.
“As part of this, the NPCC will be writing to all MPs reminding them to be vigilant; setting out key security advice and guidance, and inviting them (to) contact their local force if they have any concerns about their security when in their constituencies.
A spokeswoman for South Wales Police said the force would be following and reiterating the guidance to candidates in its area.
A spokeswoman for DyfedPowys Police said: “A security assessment will be carried out for the General Election and it will be policed proportionally. We are in liaison with our MPs and AMs and there are contingency plans in place relating to any security concerns they have. They also have security guidance from Parliament.”