MI5 urged MPs to build safe rooms at home just three months before Ann Widdecombe was killed in 'targeted' attack

Published: 01:51, 19 July 2026 | Updated: 01:54, 19 July 2026 MI5 urged MPs to build safe rooms within their homes just three months before Ann Widdecombe was killed in a 'targeted' attack at her Dartmoor home, it has emerged.  The security services told vulnerable MPs to create safe rooms in their homes in case of an attack, as calls for more security for politicians grows.  It follows the chilling attack on Ann Widdecombe inside her cottage in Haytor on Dartmoor last Wednesday, July 8, which sent shockwaves across the country.  Now, it has been revealed that the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA), a branch of MI5, informed 'high-risk individuals' such as MPs, local councillors and foreign dissidents, to set up a 'safer area' where they could shelter within their homes should they be targeted by 'hostile actors'.  The new guidance was published online just three months before the killing of former Tory MP Ann Widdecombe.  It included advice such as situating the safe room inside a normal room or in a dedicated space, equipping it with 'fog machines' and 'bulletproof walls' to delay intrusion, and keeping indoor lights on to make it appear that an empty house is occupied.  The advice also stated that bushes around the perimeter of a property should be cut back to limit potential hiding places for an attacker.  The NPSA had been offering individuals deemed to be high-risk advice for months amid growing threats to their safety. It defines high-risk individuals as someone with a public profile who works on contentious issues, or possesses information useful to hostile states.  Ann Widdecombe was murdered inside her cottage in Haytor on Dartmoor last Wednesday, July 8  Forensic officers seen heading into the suspect's house last Sunday after 28-year-old Joshua Kerry was arrested on Saturday Ms Widdecombe's address had been public for years before her tragic death, and although she had security cameras fitted, she had rejected further security measures, the Times reported.  The Reform MP had been an outspoken voice on contentious issues including abortion, gay rights and immigration throughout her career.  Detectives believe the former Tory minister was killed around 12.30pm on Wednesday, July 8.  The politician was found dead by her gardener at her cottage in Haytor on Dartmoor at around 11.40am on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries. Specialist officers from Counter Terrorism Policing took over the investigation on Monday - despite police initially saying the murder was not politically motivated. Making a statement in the Commons about the case, Shabana Mahmood said the man had not been referred to Prevent, the anti-extremist programme. 'I can confirm to the House that this man was not known to Prevent,' she told MPs. 'The police have cautioned against speculating about the case – that is the right thing to do for Ann's family and friends.' Floral tributes were left on the grass outside the former Tory justice minister's home, including a framed photograph of Ms Widdecombe Footage showed a group of armed officers descending on the suspect's property in Rotherham  On Saturday, July 11, police swooped on a council house in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, where they arrested 28-year-old Joshua Kerry on suspicion of the killing of the 78-year-old veteran politician.    On the day Ms Widdecombe died, the suspect was filmed climbing into a red hatchback before allegedly travelling some 267 miles – a journey of around five hours – to her remote property. Opening Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, Sir Keir told MPs: 'It is chilling that during my time in this Parliament, 11 years, three serving or former MPs have been murdered. 'I look across at the shield for our dear friend Jo Cox and the shield for Sir David Amess that sits behind me. 'I know this is a House matter, so this is my personal view, but I do believe it'd be fitting for the House to consider a similar tribute to Ann.' Sir Keir later added: 'I believe we must do more to defend our democracy.'  Ms Widdecombe's death has sparked an outpouring of grief with tributes to the former Tory minister. On Monday, Jeremy Vine broke down on live TV over the alleged murder of his close friend and regular guest. The broadcaster wiped away tears as he revealed that a member of his team had been in contact with the former Tory minister 'by chance' on the day she died. Ms Widdecombe appeared on Channel 5's Jeremy Vine Show more than 50 times and was also a regular on his BBC Radio 2 programme.   Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.