In a concerning development for British democracy, police forces are being bolstered by a newly established national democracy protection unit aimed at addressing the alarming rise in threats and abuse directed at Members of Parliament (MPs). The initiative, led by police chief Chris Balmer, seeks to investigate and counteract what are being termed “anti-democratic crimes,” as reported incidents against MPs have surged over recent years.
A Growing Crisis
Statistics reveal a startling increase in criminal activity against MPs, with reports more than doubling since 2019. Last year alone, nearly 1,000 incidents were recorded, driven by a troubling rise in harassment, threats to life, and criminal damage. MPs are increasingly vocal about their experiences, with many declaring that death threats have regrettably become all too commonplace, often going unreported to authorities.
Security Minister Dan Jarvis highlighted the unprecedented nature of these threats, noting that the “volume, breadth, and tempo” of intimidation faced by elected officials have reached alarming levels. In his capacity as the national police lead for democracy, Balmer has been tasked with coordinating intelligence on threats against politicians and advising police forces on how to categorise these anti-democratic crimes effectively.
Alarming Statistics
Data obtained by the BBC reveals that between 2019 and 2025, MPs reported a staggering 4,064 incidents to the Metropolitan Police’s Parliamentary Liaison Team. Notably, the number of recorded offences rose from 364 in 2019 to 976 in 2025. Malicious communications topped the list of reported crimes, with over 2,000 incidents logged during the six-year period, followed by harassment and property damage.
The uptick in death threats is particularly worrying, with 50 reported in 2025—a sharp rise from 31 the previous year. While the number of physical assaults against MPs fluctuated, it peaked in the 2024 election year. Despite the significant volume of reported threats, it remains unclear how many of these cases have led to prosecutions or convictions.
Enhanced Security Measures
In response to the tragic murders of Jo Cox in 2016 and Sir David Amess in 2021, security protocols for MPs have been strengthened. Operation Bridger, initiated in 2016, provides MPs with enhanced security measures for their homes and constituency offices. Between 2017 and 2018, the government allocated £4.2 million to MP security—an increase of 60% over the previous year. However, despite these enhancements, many MPs, including Kim Leadbeater, Cox’s sister, argue that the situation has deteriorated, calling for further action to safeguard representatives and address the underlying societal issues that contribute to such hostility.
Labour MP Sam Rushworth recently faced severe threats from a constituent, prompting him to upgrade security at his home. Following a barrage of online harassment, he received threats to burn his house down while he was inside. Reflecting on the impact, Rushworth stated, “My wife asked me if we could move. My kids asked me if I could change jobs.” He believes a toxic combination of misinformation and media narratives has fostered unprecedented levels of animosity towards Labour MPs.
The Personal Toll
Many MPs are grappling with the personal ramifications of this climate of fear. Natalie Fleet, another Labour MP, reported receiving daily death threats, a reality that has caused anxiety within her family regarding her political career. Following a particularly graphic online threat, she found herself compelled to contact police for protection, indicating the pervasive nature of the threats faced by MPs today.
Balmer, overseeing the newly formed Democracy Protection Portfolio within the National Police Chiefs’ Council, expressed concern about the alarming trend of targeted abuse, especially against women and ethnic minorities in politics. He acknowledged the serious nature of these threats, stating, “It’s not lost on me that these are not idle threats. Tragically, we have had two cases in recent memory where those threats have been carried out.”
Why it Matters
The rise in threats against MPs highlights a troubling trend that poses a significant risk to democracy in the UK. As elected representatives face increasing levels of hostility, the integrity of political discourse and public engagement is jeopardised. It is crucial for the government, law enforcement, and society to unite in addressing this crisis, ensuring that politicians can serve without fear of violence or intimidation. The safety of our democracy depends on it.
