MPs buy stab-proof vests and trauma kits after Amess killing

MPs are buying stab vests and ‘bleed control kits’ in the wake of Sir David Amess’s killing, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

The purchases of show the fear in Parliament of another attack following the deaths of the 69-year-old Conservative MP in October and Jo Cox in 2016.

One male Tory MP who has bought stab-proof body armour said female MPs in particular have raised concerns about their safety and made similar purchases. A female MP said: ‘You’ve got to be sensible,’ adding that she was also taking precautions in how surgeries with constituents are run in the wake of Sir David’s killing.

Sir David was stabbed to death during a surgery in Leigh-onSea, Kent, in October. The trial of the man accused of his murder starts tomorrow.

The concerns have led to the

Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa), which is in charge of MPs’ expenses, issuing guidance on buying stab vests, which has been seen by The Mail on Sunday.

It includes advice on choosing the most effective body armour, along with suggestions of suppliers of policing equipment that meets Home Office standards. Ipsa has also warned MPs against buying unseen products over the internet because they may not offer good protection, or could be a poor fit. The guidance also recommends first aid bleed control kits used by counter-terrorism police, which include trauma dressings and tourniquets to treat serious injuries.

Ian Todd, chief executive of Ipsa, has told MPs of his experiences as a former NHS paramedic, including being part of the command team during the 7/7 attacks.

Sir Charles Walker, who has been a Conservative MP for 17 years, said: ‘Sadly, for many of my colleagues, threats to the person have become a routine part of the job. It almost seems that working in a hostile environment has morphed into normality.

‘This is a sad reflection on our democracy, and an even worse reflection on those who believe intimidation is a legitimate way to pursue their political objectives.’

An Ipsa spokesman said last night that its ‘priority is to work with MPs and the House to make it as safe as possible for MPs to continue to engage with and represent their constituents’.