What's happened
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, claims he has been advised against holding in-person surgeries in Clacton due to security concerns. However, the Speaker's Office denies any record of such advice, raising questions about Farage's claims and his commitment to constituency work.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Mikey Smith from The Mirror, Farage stated he was advised by the Speaker's Office not to hold surgeries due to security risks, saying, "Am I allowing the public to flow through the door with their knives in their pockets? No, no I'm not." However, Faith Ridler from Sky News reports that the Speaker's Office has no record of such advice, indicating a potential discrepancy in Farage's claims. The Independent highlights concerns from other politicians about Farage's commitment to constituency work, suggesting that his media engagements may take precedence over his parliamentary duties.
How we got here
The controversy arises following Farage's election as an MP, where he has faced scrutiny over his commitment to constituency duties. His comments about security stem from the 2021 murder of MP David Amess during a surgery, which has heightened concerns for MPs' safety.
Common question
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Nigel Paul Farage is a British politician. He has been leader of the Brexit Party since 2019, and served as Member of the European Parliament for South East England from 1999 until the United Kingdom's exit from the EU in 2020.
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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Sir David Anthony Andrew Amess is a British Conservative Party politician. He has been a Member of Parliament since 1983, first for Basildon, and since 1997 for Southend West.