New security measures for MSPs

The Scottish Parliament is set to implement tighter security measures for elected members – but MSPs have indicated they do not wish to have security personnel accompanying them to constituency surgeries.

In the wake of the killing of Conservative MP Sir David Amess at a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea in November, the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB), which oversees the administration of the parliament, has been reviewing the personal security arrangement of parliamentarians and staff.

As a result, MSPs are set to receive £2,000 upgrades to their home security, and £500 towards upgrading their accommodation in Edinburgh. Members will also be offered social media software which will block certain words and phrases intended to cause distress or alarm, and expenses claims will no longer divulge the regular travel patterns of MSPs.

However, MSPs have stopped shy of requesting personal bodyguards during constituency surgeries, over the “perceived impact on access to parliamentarians and on the open relationship with constituents”.

The SPCB says it surveyed members for their views on security arrangements, with 62 MSPs providing a response.

In a letter circulated to journalists, Lynsey Hamill, the Scottish Parliament’s group head for resilience and sustainability, said: “In terms of sentiment from members, the key points to note were the need for personal alarms and lone working devices, and for more information on what home security is available, at little or no cost to members. 

 “Some members would like to see cost reimbursements for upgrading their home security.

 “The majority of members (47 respondents, 76 per cent) were not interested in having security personnel accompany them to constituency surgeries or meetings. The most common reasons were the perceived impact on access to parliamentarians and on the open relationship with constituents.

“Six members (10 per cent) were ‘definitely interested’ in the security personnel service and a further nine members (14 per cent) answered ‘did not know’ but showed potential interest. 

“Respondents showed interest in assistance with preventing unauthorised entry, and help with de-escalating situations.”