Ramping up the security for MPs would be ‘expensive and pointless’, says Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson has rejected claims that MPs’ security should be increased following the murder of former minister Ann Widdecombe.

The former Tory PM said the move, which has been supported by Reform UK since Ms Widdecombe was found dead at her Dartmoor home earlier this month, would be ‘expensive and pointless’.

Mr Johnson told Sky News it would be better to work towards reducing public anger towards politicians.

He also praised Chancellor Rachel Reeves for challenging a fraudster earlier this year.

Ms Widdecombe’s death has reignited debate over the safety of politicians; Reformist allies including party leader Nigel Farage have demanded new taxpayer-funded protections.

Two sitting MPs, Labor’s Jo Cox and Conservative Sir David Amess, have been killed in the line of duty in the last decade, and the issue of threats against politicians has also grown.

It was revealed on Sunday that MI5 had suggested that vulnerable, high-profile people such as politicians should consider creating a safe room in their home to protect themselves from attackers.

Guidance issued by the security service’s National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) recommends that when escape is not possible, they should consider establishing a safe area to avoid a ‘potentially violent threat’.

The alleged murder of Ann Widdecombe earlier this month has sparked debate over the protection of MPs

Mr Johnson was asked on Sky News’ Sunday Morning’s Trevor Phillips whether people are running for public office because of the danger.

He replied: ‘I think people are becoming more verbally aggressive towards each other. [before]. I feel like it’s a little rougher, a little harsher. This may distract people and they may not want their children to be yelled at like that.

‘What I think about all this is that actually trying to improve everyone’s security level is probably expensive and pointless.

‘But what we can do is reduce the overall level of insult.’

Citing Ms Reeves as an example, he suggested MPs should “act on their own behalf and respond”.

‘I think he’s been a terrible Chancellor. “But I thought Rachel Reeves was very good when she stood up to someone at that gas station,” he said.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is heckled during a photo shoot to promote the fuel tax announcement on a Leeds forecourt

The Chancellor was heckled during a TV interview about the fuel tax in May by a lorry driver who shouted that the Government was ‘ruining the country’.

He had two St George flags on the roof of his vehicle and said: ‘There are British flags here Rachel, will I be arrested?’

But he responded: ‘I love our country and one of the characteristics of our country is good manners. Not very British.’

A 28-year-old suspect from Rotherham was still being held in police custody in connection with the murder of Miss Widdecombe last night.