SNP Westminster deputy leader Mhairi Black has bomb proofing and panic alarms at house due to threat of being an MP

The SNP deputy Westminster leader announced she would be standing down at the next general election last week, citing a “toxic” atmosphere in Westminster.

Mhairi Black has revealed the threat of being an MP led to her installing bomb protection and panic alarms in her home.

The SNP deputy Westminster leader, who announced last week she would be standing down at the next general election, claimed she had safety concerns for her family.

Speaking to Lorraine Kelly on Monday, the Paisley and Renfrewshire South MP also claimed the Commons was home to bullying and violence.

SNP MP Mhairi Black. Picture: House of Commons/UK Parliament

Discussing her safety measures, Ms Black said: “I see it when my parents come around to visit. They see the panic alarms in the house, they see the bomb bag over the letter box and it’s just a very stark reminder their daughter is a target for things.”

First elected in 2015, Ms Black claimed to have witnessed an array of disturbing incidents in Westminster.

She said: “I’ve seen people crying. I’ve seen people in tears. I’ve seen folk getting manhandled and dragged into lobbies. I’ve seen punch-ups. I’ve seen all sorts.

“The thing that’s upsetting most is that within Westminster nobody actively condones it, but equally most people accept that’s just the nature of Parliament. And I think why?

“If this was any other workplace, you’d be huckled out. The police would be talking to you.”

Now standing down ahead of the next general election, Ms Black claimed she had thought about leaving before.

She said: “It was election night in 2019. I remember coming home and saying to my wife ‘I don’t think I want to do it’, presuming that I get a full term.

“But she rightly pointed out there are snap elections happening all over the place, so maybe hang fire and keep it to yourself until you have to announce it.”

A House of Commons spokesperson said: “Bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct have absolutely no place in Parliament, and we take any complaint of unacceptable behaviour extremely seriously.

“We remain committed to ensuring that lasting cultural change can be achieved here, and our behaviour code makes clear the standards of behaviour expected of everyone in Parliament, whether MPs, MPs staff, members of the House of Lords or visitors.

“The behaviour code is supported by the Independent Complaints and Grievances Scheme.”