Nigel Farage Threatened; Man Arrested as Reform UK Calls for Full MP Security After Widdecombe Murder

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has been the target of numerous threats, including more than 1,500 reported since February and 597 classified as death threats. After the murder of Reform spokesperson Ann Widdecombe, the party demanded that all MPs be offered “full security” and proposed a £100 million round‑the‑clock protection plan.

A 20‑year‑old man was arrested by the Metropolitan Police on 14 July on suspicion of sending a threatening message on X that read, “I am going to shoot you in the head if you win,” posted on 8 May after local elections. Police said this is the first time they have proactively acted on a social‑media threat.

Farage has met the Home Office’s Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC) to discuss his security, after earlier criticism that his state‑funded protection had been reduced. The incident has reignited debate over how MPs are protected, with the government and incoming prime minister pledging a review of security provisions.