MPs forced to hire private bodyguards amid growing concerns for safety during escalating Israel-Hamas war

MPs have been forced to hire private bodyguards amid growing concerns for safety during the escalating Israel-Hamas war, it emerged last night.

Private security firms, including former SAS troops, have been guarding constituency surgeries, giving close protection and securing chauffeur-driven cars – paid for by taxpayers.

It is feared politicians could be targeted as the Gaza conflict sees rising tensions in Britain.

At least three female MPs from both the main parties have been given this extra security by a secretive organisation that looks after top government ministers and the royal family, according to the Sunday Times.

It is understood at least one male MP has taken on a former special forces soldier to keep him safe, the Mail on Sunday said.

The royal and VIP executive committee (RAVEC) that ruled Prince Harry and his family should no longer have royal protection while in the UK, is organising the beefing up of MPs’ security.

A source told the Times: “Many MPs are petrified by the abuse they are facing.”

The number of MPs requiring protection is believed to have risen in the wake of the Hamas terror attacks of October 7.

The new security details were assigned under a system first created in the wake of the murder of Sir David Amess by an ISIS supporter in October 2021.

Because of the scale of the threat, Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle is understood to have written to the Prime Minister and the Chancellor to seek more funding for the scheme.