The Home Secretary has announced that security arrangements for high-profile public figures will be urgently examined to ensure those most at risk are better protected amid rising threats to their safety.

The murder of Ann Widdecombe is cited as one of several recent events to raise questions about the security of those in public life.

The Home Secretary has now announced an independent review of the UK's protective security system to combat the growing risks of terrorism, extremism and state threats, as well as harassment and intimidation. 

The review will be carried out by Sir Stephen Lovegrove, who will look at whether current security arrangements are fit for purpose. He will particularly focus on ensuring there is adequate protection for those most at risk, including royals, government ministers, MPs, locally elected representatives, and other prominent individuals in British politics.

Dedicated police support will be expanded to leaders of political parties who are not MPs, as well as peers, former MPs, former members of the devolved parliaments and political party spokespeople.  

Sir Stephen will look at how existing security is provided, whether funding and measures are being used effectively and proportionately, and how decision-making can be more consistent in response to threat and risk.

The review will build on the work of Sir Robert Buckland, who is conducting a separate review into the murder of Sir David Amess MP, which will consider the security of MPs in their constituencies.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: "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.  

"We owe it to those public servants we have tragically lost, and to everyone who believes in a fair and open country, to ensure those who serve receive the protection they deserve."