Tory MP says he's put 'bulletproof clingfilm' on home amid security fears

14 February 2024 , 12:07

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Jonathan Gullis is the latest MP to speak out about the threats he and his colleagues face (Image: JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

A Tory MP says he's resorted to putting "bulletproof clingfilm" on the windows of his home and panic alarms in his bedroom amid heightened security fears.

Jonathan Gullis, who has two young children, said MPs "shouldn't have to live like that". His comments come after a string of high-profile cases where MPs were targeted. Fellow Tory Tobias Ellwood's home was surrounded by pro-Palestine protesters this week.

And last month frontbencher Mike Freer announced he is standing down after a string of threats and assaults. He previously revealed several MPs wear stab proof vests because of the dangers they face.

Speaking to GB News, Mr Gullis said he was "incensed" by what he saw at Mr Ellwood's home. He said: “MPs can be contacted via email or via phone. They have surgeries that people can attend. We have social media accounts that people can leave comments on. I literally do street surgeries where I send letters to random households to say if you want me to knock on your door, shove this in the window.

“Anyone in my community can challenge me. But if you dare come near my house, believe me if the police aren't going to take action, I'll take action into my own hands."

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Protesters outside the home of Tory Tobias Ellwood

The demonstration outside the MP's home has sparked outrage

Mr Gullis went on: “I'm not having my three year old daughter, my two year old son and my fiancée put in danger because a bunch of thugs want to turn up outside my house and intimidate.

“My children and my fiancée should not fall victim to the fact that I happen to be the MP and that I have a certain view, which by the way, may not be shared in my own household."

Earlier this week police were called to the home of Mr Ellwood. Operation Bridger - a security programme to protect MPs - was put in place as banner waving demonstrators gathered in the street. Dorset Police said no arrests were made.

Courts ministers Mr Freer said a series of threats and attacks had placed "intolerable stress" on him and his husband Angelo. He believes his support for Israel led to him being targeted.

He said he now finds himself wondering if he will survive the day. Mr Freer has spoken in the past about having to wear a stab vest while out in public, describing the threat of attack as "par for the course". He was one of the MPs believed to have been considered a target by Tory MP Sir David Amess's murderer Ali Harbi Ali. Ali visited Mr Freer's Finchley and Golders Green office intending to kill him, it emerged during his trial.

Dave Burke