Shabana Mahmood: “This type of criminality "makes people lose faith, not just in their local area but in democracy, in what our country…”

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

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

I would not hesitate to impose further measures on other countries refusing to co-operate.

Today I also announce an independent root-and-branch review of the protective security provided by the state to those in public life.