Shabana Mahmood tells MPs suspect in Ann Widdecombe investigation ‘not known to Prevent’ – as it happened

Shabana Mahmood Tells MPs Suspect Not Known to Prevent

Shabana Mahmood tells MPs suspect in Ann - Shabana Mahmood tells MPs suspect in the Ann Widdecombe investigation has not been previously known to the Prevent counter-terrorism programme. The Home Secretary addressed Parliament with updates on the ongoing inquiry, describing the circumstances as deeply distressing for everyone involved. Following the receipt of additional evidence, counter-terrorism authorities have taken primary responsibility for leading the investigation into the former MP's death.

Counter-Terrorism Police Take Charge

Lawrence Taylor, head of national counter-terrorism policing, confirmed his department is now directing the case. Authorities are actively pursuing multiple lines of inquiry to establish the motivation behind the attack on Widdecombe, who also served as Reform UK's spokesperson. Police have a suspect in custody—a 28-year-old white British man—and Shabana Mahmood tells MPs this individual was not on the radar of the Prevent programme.

The police have cautioned against speculating about the case. That is the right thing to do for Ann's family and friends. It is also vital that the police are given the space they need to carry out their work.

Mahmood emphasized that British counter-terrorism officers are now at the forefront of the investigation. She stressed the importance of allowing law enforcement the necessary room to conduct their duties without public interference or premature conclusions.

VIP Protection and Political Responses

The conversation shifted to VIP security arrangements, particularly for Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. Mahmood had previously extended an invitation for Farage to meet with the Home Office official overseeing VIP protection. Farage acknowledged this gesture on social media, thanking the Home Secretary and confirming he would meet with the Chair of RAVEC to discuss security for all Reform politicians, including non-MPs.

Thank you for this offer @ShabanaMahmood. I will meet with the Chair of RAVEC and discuss the security of all Reform politicians, including those who are not MPs.

Robert Jenrick, Reform UK's Treasury spokesperson, questioned whether reducing security for Farage was unwise given the threats he faces. Mahmood responded by highlighting that RAVEC operates as a fiercely independent body. She explained that protection levels must be determined through operational risk assessment rather than political considerations.

It must be because the protection that is offered, and the level of protection and the tactics of protection that are offered to people must never be based on a political assessment of who needs it, but an independent operational assessment of what risk is and how it is best managed.

Broader Parliamentary Concerns

Lee Anderson, a Reform UK MP, raised concerns about how party members were being characterized as racist by other parliamentarians. He asked Mahmood whether she was aware that Reform UK MPs were facing heightened risks. The Home Secretary affirmed that all MPs should engage in calm and careful debate while moderating their language. Regarding threats, she noted she would not discuss them publicly to preserve the system's integrity.

Mark Francois, a Conservative MP, shared that he knew Widdecombe through David Amess, the Tory MP who was also murdered. Francois suggested that social media companies bear some responsibility for such events. Bernard Jenkin, also Conservative, remarked that it had become an unfortunate statistical fact that as a member of parliament you are more likely to meet a violent death than a member of Her Majesty's armed forces or a member of the British police forces.

Helena Dollimore, a Labour MP, expressed concern about media organizations frequently broadcasting footage containing identifiable details of current and former MPs' residences. Olly Robbins, the former Foreign Office chief, also contributed to the discussion on broader security matters affecting political figures across party lines.