A bit over the top

Astonishingly there are nearly 1300 former MPs still with us (about half of them these days are ex-Prime Ministers). There have been a few big turnovers it has to be said in the last few years. Now, in the wake of the murder of Anne Widdecombe, there’s a fear that ex-MPs as well as serving members need enhanced security. Personally I think the threat is inflated, which is not to say it doesn’t exist. Most ex-MPs are as obscure now as they were when in office. But there’s no telling what nutters will do next, and we are usually talking about people with mental issues who go out on killing sprees. (No doubt I’ll be called out on that one.) So, the advice to former MPs is to let your local police force know of your existence in their area. I’m not sure what that’s meant to achieve. More patrols down your street? (Any patrol would be an improvement.) There are suggestions of having a ’safe room.’ and perhaps panic buttons. For current MPs the Reform UK party are suggesting a fund of £100 million to secure their safety. This is a lot less than what Farage apparently needs (£5 million) but it still works out at £153,000 per MP. If this could be extended to former MPs it might pay for some new double glazing, with security glass of course. Well, I’m up for that. No, not seriously. Looks to me like Reform UK are keen to set up a new expenses scandal.