About this episode

The episode discusses the dangers facing politicians today and explores measures to improve their safety while maintaining their relationship with constituents.

Following the murder of Ann Widdecombe, we reflect on the dangers facing those in Parliament and public life. Earlier this year, former Lord Chancellor Sir Robert Buckland was appointed to lead the independent review into the circumstances surrounding the murder of Sir David Amess MP, examining whether any opportunities to prevent his death were missed. He joins us to discuss the risks facing politicians today, what more can be done to improve their safety, and how those protections can be strengthened without undermining the close relationship between MPs and the constituents they serve. We also look back at Ann Widdecombe's parliamentary career, including her memorable appearance at the Hansard Society's 2009 House of Commons Speaker election hustings, where she demonstrated the wit, independence and commitment to Parliament that defined her public life.   As Sir Keir Starmer names 26 new Peers, we examine the future of the House of Lords. This week, the Hansard Society hosted the first major speech by the Lord Speaker since his election earlier this year. In a wide-ranging address, he warned of the constitutional risks of embarking on poorly conceived reform of the Upper…

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