Staff working for members of parliament in the United Kingdom are urging for enhanced security measures following increasing incidents of threats and attacks, according to a recent survey of more than 500 parliamentary employees. The findings highlight a growing concern for personal safety among these frontline workers, many of whom serve as direct representatives of their MPs.
The survey, conducted by the Westminster-based wellness working group (WWG) and led by psychologist Dr. Ashley Weinberg from the University of Salford, revealed that 78% of respondents had received threatening communications. Nearly one in three staff members—30%—reported they frequently or always fear for their own safety or that of colleagues, a sharp rise from 18.7% five years ago. The research also found that half of the respondents are experiencing clinical levels of psychological distress, the highest recorded since the survey began in 2021.
A significant portion of staff reported exposure to racist or prejudiced language, with 73 stating they frequently or very frequently encountered such abuse from visitors, and 188 experiencing it occasionally. About one in four employees said they had at times felt pressured to comply with requests that might jeopardize their safety. The survey also pointed to widespread concerns about heavy workloads and routine exposure to various forms of abuse, including sexist language, suicide threats, traumatic disclosures, and threats of physical violence.
Some staff members described instances of physical assault, with one reporting being attacked twice within the past year. Others expressed frustration over perceived disparities in security provisions, noting that protection often focuses primarily on MPs themselves. According to the WWG, security personnel generally only provide protection when the MP is present, leaving staff members vulnerable during official events or office hours. The group called for security measures to be extended routinely to MPs’ staff as if the MP were present, stressing that staff frequently act as proxies for their elected representatives.
The issue has gained heightened attention following the murder of Ann Widdecombe, the former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokesperson, earlier this month. Joshua Kerry, 28, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, has been charged with her murder. In response, Prime Minister Andy Burnham is expected to announce a review of MPs’ security protocols.
The WWG criticized the current approach to safety enforcement, noting that 17 staff members reported no implementation of recommended safety measures by their MPs, while 59 said only some recommendations had been adopted. They urged Commons authorities to be granted the power to enforce stricter security measures when MPs or office managers do not comply.
A House of Commons spokesperson confirmed ongoing collaboration with the WWG to improve safety support for parliamentary staff. The spokesperson emphasized that ensuring the safety of MPs’ staff both on and off the parliamentary estate is vital to the functioning of democracy and reiterated that abuse and intimidation are unacceptable under any circumstances.