Committee publication · Special Report · 5 March 2026 · HC 1709
Large Print - 1st Special Report: Speaker’s Conference on the security of MPs, candidates and elections: Government Response
Summary
This Government Response document presents the UK Government's reaction to two reports by the Speaker's Conference on security threats to MPs, candidates, and elections. Published March 2025, it outlines the Government's position on 40+ recommendations, including responses from the Electoral Commission, National Police Chiefs Council, and other agencies. The Government accepts most recommendations and announces legislative and procedural changes to protect democratic participants from harassment and intimidation.
Key findings
- Government commits to establishing a campaign code of conduct with political parties and Electoral Commission ahead of May 2026 elections, recognising that over half of candidates faced abuse in 2024 and nearly all MPs have experienced harassment.
- £31 million invested before 2024 General Election for police capacity and private security (Op REGENCY) for 206 candidates; this support will continue as default for future elections.
- New aggravating factor introduced in sentencing for offences targeting elected representatives, candidates, and electoral staff; disqualification orders to be monitored for effectiveness and consistency.
- Government partially accepts recommendation on electoral law review, agreeing to remove home addresses from nomination documents and introduce ID checks for candidates, but rejects expansion of false statements offence to political debate.
- Defending Democracy Taskforce established to coordinate whole-of-Government response, including new guidance for police and returning officers, crime legislation restricting protests at homes of public office holders, and work with Ofcom on social media enforcement.
Government position
The Government broadly accepts the Speaker's Conference recommendations and is implementing measures across multiple fronts. It accepts 38 recommendations in full and partially accepts Recommendation 8 (electoral law review), declining only to expand false statements offence to political speech. The Government emphasises its commitment through the Defending Democracy Taskforce, recent legislative changes, and coordination with police, Electoral Commission, and social media platforms. Where recommendations are directed at other bodies (police, electoral officials), Government commits to supporting implementation through guidance, funding, and legislative frameworks.
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Speaker's Conference (2024), UK Government, Electoral Commission, National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC), Parliamentary Security Department (PSD), Defending Democracy Taskforce, Crown Prosecution Service, Ofcom, College of Policing, Sentencing Council
Notable line
“No one should be deterred from standing for public office due to safety concerns. Harassment of politicians undermines democracy and risks silencing voices.”
Key Quotes
“The murders of Jo Cox and Sir David Amess were not isolated tragedies; they shocked Parliament and our democracy, leaving grief and fear that now shape political discourse.”
“At the last general election, over half of candidates faced abuse or intimidation, and nearly all MPs have experienced it. This is unacceptable.”
“Robust debate is vital and must be protected, but abuse and intimidation have no place.”
“We will work with the Speaker, the Electoral Commission, and political parties to develop a code which is fit for purpose, ensuring that it meets the needs of the broad range of candidates from across the political spectrum.”
“For the first time ever, in the 2024 General Election, the Home Office provided a Private Security offering for all Parliamentary candidates called Op REGENCY.”
“The Government recognises the essential role that MPs play in their own security. We support the recommendation that MPs and their staff proactively engage with the Parliamentary Security Department (PSD) and take advantage of available security measures to enhance their protection.”
“Robust political debate and freedom of expression is a fundamental part of our democracy. Including political statements within this offence would place a significant burden on the courts to act as de facto fact checkers during elections and would unnecessarily …”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗