"Urgent Calls for Enhanced Police Powers to Safeguard MPs from Political Violence"

Lord Walney, author of a government-commissioned review, has urged for police to receive additional powers to address protests outside Parliament in order to protect MPs from intimidation. This comes after a chaotic vote on Gaza in the Commons, which sparked debate over the safety of MPs. While some argue for tougher action to tackle protests, others caution against limiting demonstrations outside democratic venues. The government has stated that it takes MPs' safety seriously and is in close contact with the police to ensure they have the necessary powers to manage protests appropriately.