MI5 says independent review of UK protective security system has been launched
Published · Updated
What happened
The Home Secretary told the House of Commons on 2026-10-12 that a suspect had been charged on 2026-10-02 with preparing a terrorist act against Nigel Farage. On 2026-10-13, MI5 Director General Ken McCallum said an independent review of the UK's protective security system had been launched.
Why it matters
The development moves the issue from a single criminal case into an active review led through the national security system. That creates a path to near-term decisions on protective measures, resource allocation and operating guidance for elected politicians, parties and venues hosting public events.
MI5 Director General Ken McCallum said on 2026-10-13 that an independent review of the UK's protective security system had been launched, following the Home Secretary's 2026-10-12 Commons statement on national security. In that statement, the Home Secretary said a suspect had been charged on 2026-10-02 with preparing a terrorist act against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. Together, the charge and the launch of a formal review create a live policy track that could lead to changes in security arrangements for MPs, political parties and public venues.
Watch for
Home Office publication on or after 2026-11-03 naming the chair, terms of reference or reporting timetable for the protective security review MI5 public clarification on or after 2026-11-03 on interim protective-security advice for MPs, parties or constituency events Metropolitan Police or National Police Chiefs' Council notice on or after 2026-11-03 setting revised security guidance for political events or public meetings Speaker of the House of Commons statement on or after 2026-11-03 on any changed security arrangements for MPs
Sources
- MI5 Director General Delivers Annual Threat Update · mi5.gov.uk
- National security - GOV.UK · gov.uk
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