MPs offered extra securitypublished at 14:54 British Summer Time 19 July 2016
Norman Smith
Assistant political editor
All MPs are to be automatically offered additional security in their offices and homes. The move comes amid increased security concerns, particularly following the killing of the Labour MP Jo Cox.
Until now, MPs who wanted to install security had to apply through the parliamentary expenses watchdog IPSA. There also had to be a risk assessment carried out by the police and written estimates before any work could be carried out.
MPs have become increasingly unhappy with delays and the response of IPSA to security concerns, and on Monday night the House of Commons Members Estimate Committee decided to strip IPSA of its authority over MPs' security arrangements.
So in future all MPs will automatically be offered extra security - such as panic buttons, extra lighting, additional locks and emergency fobs - and will not have to apply to have them installed.