UK Edition
New MPs warned to be ‘on guard’ when opening doors and getting into cars over attack fears
New MPs have been told to be “on guard” when they answer the door or get into cars amid heightened fears of an attack a year after Jo Cox’s murder.
Politicians were this week told to install fences almost 2 meters high around their houses and locate a place they can hide securely while waiting for police.
They were also urged to agree a “key phrase” with staff that can be uttered during meetings with constituents in case an “emergency” develops.
The chilling advice is contained in a handbook on safety and security issued to all new MPs as they arrived in Parliament after the election.
It is a reflection of the heightened concerns a year after the brutal killing of Ms Cox, the Labour MP for Batley and Spen murdered by a far-Right fanatic.
This weekend a series of events across the country are being carried out to commemorate Ms Cox’s belief that “we have more in common”.
The events, called 'The Great Get Together', have seen politicians from across the aisle put aside their political differences in message of unity.
New MPs were this week issued with a pack on information which included a 34-page booklet on “personal safety and security”.
“Be aware of your surroundings and encourage your family and staff to do the same”, reads a section on security at home.
“This makes it easier to spot unusual or suspicious behaviour. Recognise situations where you are vulnerable and be on your guard.
“These can include times like answering the door at home, preparing to drive off in your car or when you are following predictable routines.”
The booklet then proposes a list of “sensible precautions”. MPs are told to install “good height fencing” around their houses, at least 1.8 meters high at the sides and back.
Garages and sheds should be kept locked, ladders and tools should be stored out of sight, while some lights should be left on if the politician is returning after dark.
The advice adds: “As a precaution, identify an area in the house that is more secure, where you could await the police, if you had to, in the event of an incident”.
The booklet – produced this month – chimes with MPs who have spoken of an increase in threatening and abusive messages online in the last 18 months.
Politicians have singled out the vote to approve Syrian air strikes on Isil targets which was taken in December 2015 as a turning point, followed by a spike in online abuse.
Ms Cox was stabbed to death near her constituency office by Thomas Mair, a Nazi sympathiser and far-Right extremist who was sentenced to life in prison.
Dozens of politicians asked for improved security at the homes and constituencies, including the carrying of panic alarms, in the wake of the June 2016 murder.
The security booklet urges MPs to “agree a key phrase to alert staff in the event of an emergency” when holding surgeries with constituents.
It goes on: “Position a desk or table between yourself and the constituent. Make sure there are no article that could be used to cause harm e.g. a letter opener.”
“Do not arrange to meet an unknown constituent without staff knowing where you are, how long you expect to be and how to contact you.”