In response to a worrying rise in threats and abuse aimed at Members of Parliament, a new national unit dedicated to democracy protection has been established to bolster police efforts. Announced yesterday, the initiative aims to tackle the alarming increase in anti-democratic crimes against MPs, which have more than doubled over the past four years, with reports nearing 1,000 incidents in the last year alone.
A Startling Increase in Threats
The figures paint a grim picture. Since 2019, crime reports against MPs have soared, with a staggering 976 incidents recorded in 2025, compared to just 364 in 2019. The majority of these offences relate to malicious communications, with over 2,000 cases reported between 2019 and 2025. Harassment and criminal damage also feature prominently in the statistics, alongside 50 recorded death threats last year, a significant rise from 31 in 2024.
The surge in threats has prompted many MPs to express their fear for personal safety. Security Minister Dan Jarvis recently highlighted the unprecedented nature of the threats, stressing the urgent need for police to adapt to this evolving crisis. Chris Balmer, the newly appointed lead for the national police initiative, will focus on coordinating intelligence and providing specialised support to forces tackling these crimes.
MPs Seeking Enhanced Protection
Security measures around MPs have been tightened since the tragic murders of Jo Cox in 2016 and Sir David Amess in 2021. The national programme, Operation Bridger, initiated in 2016, has offered additional security resources to MPs, including enhanced protection in their homes and constituency offices. Despite increased expenditure on security—reaching £4.2 million in 2017/18, a 60% rise—MPs argue that more must be done to ensure their safety.
Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, sister of Jo Cox, lamented that nearly a decade after her sister’s death, the political climate is arguably worse. “This is not just a problem for our democracy but a broader societal issue,” she stated. The sentiment was echoed by fellow Labour MP Sam Rushworth, who faced death threats from a constituent, forcing him to install panic buttons and cameras at his home. The psychological toll of such threats on MPs and their families is profound, with Rushworth revealing that his children even suggested he change jobs to protect their family.
The Online and Offline Landscape of Threats
The new Democracy Protection Portfolio, which will operate under the National Police Chiefs’ Council, was established following an inquiry that revealed a staggering 96% of MPs had experienced some form of threatening behaviour. Balmer emphasised the concerning trend of both online and offline harassment, particularly targeting female candidates and those from ethnic minorities.
The threats are not to be taken lightly. Balmer pointed out that recent tragic incidents underline the serious nature of such abuse. “These are not idle threats,” he noted, referring to the real-world consequences of online harassment.
One case that drew significant attention involved Labour MP Natalie Fleet, who has faced daily death threats. Following an incident where a social media post suggested she should “be shot,” the situation escalated, leading her to contact the police due to an increase in the graphic nature of threats. “I’ve never had as much contact with the police as I have in this job,” Fleet remarked, highlighting the distressing reality of being an MP today.
Why it Matters
The launch of this national democracy protection unit is a crucial step in safeguarding the integrity of British democracy. With rising threats against elected officials, the initiative aims to restore a sense of safety for MPs, enabling them to focus on their responsibilities without the constant fear of violence. The fight against anti-democratic crimes is not just a matter of protecting individual politicians; it is vital for the health of democracy itself, ensuring that diverse voices continue to be represented without the shadow of intimidation.
