MPs have been urged to consider working from home amid fears their offices could be at risk during fresh far-right violence planned for tonight.
The Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, wrote to MPs following the outbreak of riots across the UK in the wake of the Southport stabbing attack.
He urged them and their staff to ‘exercise caution’ and issued a specific warning for those who have ‘easily identifiable office locations’.
With Parliament currently on its summer recess, most MPs will be working in their constituency offices across the country.
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Police are braced for more violent disorder this evening as far-right thugs use social media and encrypted messaging apps to plan fresh chaos across the UK.
A list of 39 locations where yobs could wreak havoc – including immigration centres, refugee shelters and lawyers’ homes – emerged late last night.
Leaked messages from what appear to be far-right Telegram channels show those involved threatening the lives of anti-racism campaigners, using sick slurs and exchanging tips on how to ‘hood up’.
The Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, wrote to MPs following the outbreak of riots across the UK in the wake of the Southport stabbing attack
MPs have been urged to consider working from home amid fears their offices could be at risk during fresh far-right violence planned for tonight
Riot police push back hooded men outside the Holiday Inn Express Hotel, which is housing asylum seekers, in Rotherham
A hit-list of 39 places around England has emerged online ahead of more planned protests tonight
As reported by the Independent, Sir Lindsay told MPs in his letter: ‘We note the spontaneity and unpredictable nature of the disorder and would therefore encourage Members and their offices to exercise caution.
‘Publicly available information suggests that a range of locations associated with immigration and asylum assistance are due to be subject to demonstrations on Wednesday 7 August at 8pm.
‘The Parliamentary Security Department (PSD) have reached out to Members who have offices in close proximity to these planned demonstrations, to make them aware.’
The Speaker added that other MPs ‘particularly those with prominent and easily identifiable office locations – may wish to consider their office security protocols’.
These can include talking to local police ‘to gain an up to date understanding of the risks and policing plans in your area; considering home working; and ensuring that any sensitive information is stored safely’.
He continued: ‘In the event of an emergency, don’t hesitate to call 999.’
A House of Commons spokesperson said: ‘The ability for Members and their staff to perform their Parliamentary duties safely, both on and off the estate, is fundamental to our democracy. Abuse and intimidation is completely unacceptable.
‘We do not comment on individual MPs’ security arrangements or advice because we would not wish to compromise the safety of MPs, Parliamentary staff or members of the public, but these are kept under continuous review.’
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