MSPs may get security guards at surgeries

SECURITY guards at surgeries and selfdefence training could be provided for MSPs following the brutal killing of MP Sir David Amess.

The Scottish parliament is responsible for the security of MSPs and has launched a ‘project’ to consider if guards are needed to protect them.

MSPs were told of the developments in an update from the parliament’s head of resilience and sustainability, Lynsey Hamill.

Sir David was killed last month while at a surgery in his constituency in Essex.

The update said: ‘The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) recognises that safety at surgery meetings is of particular concern right now.

‘It has commissioned a project that will assess whether we might centrally provide security operatives to accompany members at surgery meetings.

‘Most likely such a service would require a procurement exercise to give us external personnel to call upon

‘Safety at meetings is a concern right now

across the country, but we shall engage widely with members to assess potential demand and, if required, how best such a service might work.’

The parliamentary security office has also been asked to look into giving selfdefence classes or ‘de-escalation’ training to MSPs.

The update added: ‘Officials have been asked to undertake a full assessment of the issues associated with providing such training.’

The SPCB – a group of cross-party MSPs who deal with the day-to-day running of the parliament – agreed ‘in principle’ that police should inspect the homes, offices and Edinburgh residences of members, with the recommendations implemented to boost security.

Labour MSP and SPCB member Clare Baker said yesterday cost would not be an impediment to ensuring the safety of politicians. Police Scotland will provide an annual safety briefing to members.