Exclusive:Police offer MSPs security briefings following Ann Widdecombe's death
It comes as officers assess ‘threatening messages’ posted online about Reform MSP Thomas Kerr
Police Scotland has offered MSPs security briefings amid heightened concerns following the death of Ann Widdecombe.
It came as it emerged officers are assessing “threatening messages” posted online about Reform MSP Thomas Kerr.
Mr Kerr, the deputy leader of Nigel Farage’s party in Scotland, said police visited his home on Tuesday to talk through his personal security.
He called for a review of the security arrangements for MSPs, saying he does not currently feel comfortable advertising the location of his surgeries.
"I have definitely felt a bit more concerned about my job, concerned about whether or not I can be effective, or do I need to try and tone down what I'm saying on certain issues because I'm worried about my safety,” he told The Scotsman.
"That should never be the case in politics."
Mr Kerr said he is “at the stage where I'm not going to change who I am because I'm doing my job effectively”, but added: “It does make people wonder, and I do worry about the future of politics if it could put good people off coming into politics because of that."
The Glasgow MSP said he reported incidents including a death threat to the police last weekend.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “We were made aware of threatening messages posted online and enquiries are ongoing.”
Police this week offered all MSPs an online security briefing, with one session taking place on Friday and another due to take place on Monday.
Mr Kerr said the police and Holyrood authorities had been “fantastic”.
But he added: "I certainly feel as if Holyrood doesn't take safety for elected members - and I mean this for all parties, not just Reform - quite as seriously as Westminster does.
"I do my surgeries, which are fine, we've not had any issues with them. But in Westminster, in the wake of Jo Cox and David Amess, they were offered security to be there to try and make sure everything was alright.
"We don't get that sort of assistance, and I think it is something that needs to be reviewed and looked at because you want to be as accessible as possible.
"I also want to advertise that I'm going to be places. I want to tell people where I am so that genuine constituents can come and see me. Right now I don't feel comfortable doing that.”
A major review of Holyrood’s security was carried out following the murder of Tory MP Sir David Amess in 2021.
This led to a number of changes, including 108 local offices being surveyed by Police Scotland in the last session of parliament and all MSPs being offered home residence surveys by officers.
Funding was made available to cover the cost of security upgrades to local offices and homes as recommended by police.
As part of the review, MSPs were surveyed about security provision for surgery meetings, but only six expressed a definite interest in this and so it was not deemed viable.
Holyrood also operates an online threat monitoring service on an opt-in basis for elected members. All but one of Holyrood’s current MSPs has opted to take part in this, compared to around 80 out of 129 in the last parliamentary term.
A Scottish Parliament spokesman said: “We take the safety of MSPs and their staff incredibly seriously - both online and in their everyday lives.
“Our security team provides a range of services tailored towards their personal safety and security. We also work closely with Police Scotland and escalate evidence of potentially criminal matters to the force for its action.
“Following the death of Sir David Amess MP, the SPCB [Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body] initiated a major review of personal security provision for MSPs and staff.
“This brought about the introduction of Holyrood’s online threat monitoring service, which is leading in its field and has attracted world-wide interest from other Parliaments.
“The major review also offered all MSPs the option of security assistance at surgery meetings, but this was declined at the time.
“Our security arrangements will be kept under careful review pending latest advice from our security partners.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "A reminder of available support and advice has been issued to MSPs and MPs in Scotland.
“Regular communication and briefings are provided by Police Scotland to maximise the safety of politicians, minimise any risk of disruption and ensure a peaceful democratic process.
“We continue to work with partners, including the Scottish government and Electoral Commission.”
Scottish Green co-leader Gillian Mackay said it was right to review security arrangements.
She said: "The Scottish Parliament's security team are excellent, but this is a worrying time for anyone in public life. Horrific attacks like the one on Ann Widdecombe are a stark reminder of the risks.
"When something so serious happens, it's right that we review security arrangements and ask whether the current protections are strong enough.
"The rise of misinformation and the impact of social media have made threats and abuse far more common for MSPs of all parties, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to get away from it.
"We've seen too many good people, particularly women, forced to step away from politics because of the toxic culture that has taken hold online and, too often, in our wider political debate.
"We all have a responsibility to ensure threats against MSPs and their staff are taken seriously, so that no one is afraid to run for election or to stand up for what they believe in."
Scottish Liberal Democrat business manager Willie Rennie said: "The Scottish Parliament needs to stay on top of security concerns.
"Parliamentarians are having to take more and more precautions to keep themselves and their staff safe. Everyone should do what they can to take the heat out of our politics.”
A spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives said: "The murder of Ann Widdecombe has left those across the political spectrum shocked and deeply saddened.
"Her death has brought into sharp focus the security arrangements for politicians and our staff and families.
"Engaging with constituents is one of the greatest privileges enjoyed by elected representatives and ours remain dedicated to doing so.
"However, we will also liaise closely with Police Scotland to ensure everyone involved with the party feels protected while doing our jobs and that officers have the resources required to identify the potential of politically-motivated attacks."
An SNP spokesman said: "It is imperative that all politicians and their staff should be able to go about their duties without fearing for their personal safety."
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