Shabana Mahmood: “Under these new powers, we’re going further to dismantle and deter hostile activity.”

Those who enter public life do so to serve. Robust debate and criticism are part of the job. Threats, abuse and violence are not.

An attack on any individual in public life is an attack on every one of us, and it is an attack on democracy itself.

I can therefore announce today that I will expand, with immediate effect, police support to political figures who are not currently members of parliament.

We owe it to them and to everyone who believes in a fair and open country to ensure that those who serve at all levels receive the protection they deserve.