Laura Kuenssberg comments on the somber reminder of MP security threats amidst parliament chaos

High-profile events often shake the status quo, and the significance of smaller incidents grows over time.

During the EU referendum’s kickoff, I recall how Boris Johnson’s promotion of the misleading £350m Brexit claim at a Manchester rally led to audience jeers, a precursor to the campaign’s aggressive tone. Despite apologies from his team, civility soon deteriorated.

Weeks later, I experienced tragedy when MP Jo Cox was attacked and killed by a far-right extremist. Her death underscored the toxic political climate, highlighting MPs’ vulnerabilities and prompted calls for kindness in politics.

In 2018, discussions with an anxious MP revealed the pervasive threats politicians faced regularly. Despite security measures at home and in their offices, the fear of making these precautions public was palpable. This echoed across Westminster, where MPs and reporters, like myself, had grown accustomed to public harassment.

Demonstrations in London morphed into aggressive tactics, targeting MPs with accusations and aiming to capture viral moments. While many protesters exercised their right peacefully, the direct confrontations posed new risks to political figures - risks now considered part of the job by many.

The Speaker’s unprecedented decision to allow a parliamentary vote was influenced by these security concerns, reflecting both the necessity and the implications of such a choice. It raises questions about policing, protestor conduct, and remains an event whose impact will unfold with time.