Lindsay Hoyle responds to Zia Yusuf claims over MPs security after death of Ann Widdecombe

Sir Lindsay Hoyle confirmed MPs who raised security concerns were treated equally regardless of their political party.

His comments followed suggestions from a Reform UK spokesman that he was not taking his duties seriously.

Speaking in Parliament following the death of Ann Widdecombe, the Speaker of the House of Commons reiterated that MPs’ concerns were always “passed on to law enforcement for attention”.

The criticism came from Reform’s internal affairs spokesman, Zia Yusuf, who claimed in a post on X that MPs from his party were not given protection.

Ms Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister and later Reform spokeswoman, was found dead with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, Dartmoor, on Thursday.

On Sunday, Devon and Cornwall Police said detectives were keeping an “open mind” about a potential motive.

The force initially denied there was “information indicating this was a terrorism-related incident” but acknowledged its officers were supported by counter-terrorism police.

Counter-terrorism police led the investigation after new information and evidence emerged on Monday.

“None of the government, Speaker or police care about the safety of Reform MPs,” Mr Yusuf wrote on Sunday.

He added: “In recent months many of our MPs have written to the above asking for help about worrying, growing security concerns.

“His correspondence was not even answered.”

Sir Lindsay appeared to deny the claim when he told MPs on Monday: “Every member of Parliament is equal to me in terms of security; there is no difference between any member, I want to reassure you.”

“When the events are brought to my attention – because we do not discuss security, I do not reveal what happened, what was done – but when this is brought to my attention, I am assured that the matter will be passed on to the security officials.

“Unfortunately, I’m sorry that people don’t think I did that.”

Making a statement about Ms. Widdecombe’s death, Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood said that MPs were “treated equally” by the Speaker of the Parliament.

“This is a position shared by the Government,” he added.

Ms Mahmood had previously asked UK Reform leader Nigel Farage for a meeting with the chairman of the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec).

He told MPs: “I am aware of the particular concern that the Reform Party and, of course, the party’s leader, Nigel Farage, will feel today.”

Mr Farage thanked the Home Secretary in a post about X.

“I will meet with the president of Ravec and discuss the security of all Reform politicians, including those who are not MPs,” he said.

Also speaking in the House of Commons, Diane Abbott said online activity played an important role in the safety of MPs.

He said technology had made harassment and threats against politicians “much worse” than when he was first elected in 1987.

The independent MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington said: “We need to find a way to make some of these online companies more accountable for the threats and violence they allow on their platforms.”

Labor deputy leader Lucy Powell also called on Ms Mahmood to “tackle some of the online algorithms and business models” that are increasing threats to MPs.

The Home Secretary responded: “We must surely do more as a Government and as a society to know exactly what the boundaries are between passionate, contentious, heated debates of the kind in which Ann Widdecombe herself was involved, and behavior that escalates into threats and harassment of the kind designed to drive people out of public life.”

Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice stood to pay his respects to Ms Widdecombe.

“His conviction, his passion and his defense of freedom of expression were admirable,” he told MPs.

“I’ve had the honor of working with him for the last seven years, and even though I’m a foot taller, I somehow find myself looking up.”

Referring to updates from the police, Mr Tice asked: “When considering motivation, would it be wise to keep things open-ended when giving us early updates, rather than too quickly dismissing incidents that could result in rejection again later?”

Ms Mahmood responded: “We will ensure that further information about the circumstances of the murder and the motive for the murder is shared as appropriate as possible.

“I would also like to reassure him that nothing is off the table as part of the investigation.

“This is a live investigation; it’s not uncommon in these matters for a fast-paced investigation to have more information come to light that changes the nature or character of what we’re dealing with.”

Earlier on Monday, Downing Street urged anyone with information about Ms Widdecombe’s death to contact police.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “I think the police have been very clear that this is a live murder investigation, haven’t they?” he said.

“And we would like to reiterate that it is important to maintain and support the integrity of this investigation as we conduct this work.”