I'm A Celeb MP Matt Hancock wants everyone in Commons to get self-defence lesson

06 August 2023 , 06:49

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Matt Hancock wants all MPs to get self-defence training (Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

All MPs should get self-defence training amid a surge in anger at politicians, Matt Hancock said today.

The I’m A Celeb …! MP, who was stripped of the Tory whip last autumn for deserting his constituents to join the ITV jungle show, claimed members of the Commons should be taught how to protect themselves.

"I've had self-defence training, not just for me but my team, and I think it should be made available to all MPs," the former Health Secretary told The Sunday Times. "I've never faced harassment like this before. People are generally very cheerful. A tiny minority of unpleasant people think it's OK to harass MPs and other public servants, and it's got to stop.”

The controversial MP, who is quitting Parliament at the next election, spoke out after an anti-vaccine protester who accused the ex-Cabinet Minister of murdering people during the coronavirus pandemic was ordered not to approach or contact the MP for three years.

The former Health Secretary gave evidence at the Covid Inquiry earlier this summer (SKY NEWS)

Geza Tarjanyi, 62, of Leyland, Lancashire, who shoulder-barged the MP, was last week given an eight-week prison sentence suspended for two years at Westminster Magistrates' Court, and must complete 200 hours of unpaid work and pay costs of £930 plus a surcharge of £128. Tarjanyi - a former DJ and children's entertainer - "shouted ridiculous conspiracy theories" at Mr Hancock on two separate occasions on January 19 and 24, the court previously heard.

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Mr Hancock previously told the trial: "As a public figure, I can't recall a time when I felt as intimidated as this." Tarjanyi, who denied harassment, was found guilty by senior district judge Paul Goldspring. In a victim impact statement read to the court, Mr Hancock, who was confronted by Tarjanyi on the London Underground, said: "I felt directly targeted. I feel less comfortable using public transport now. My security is under review."

Reacting to the verdict, Mr Hancock said last week: "I am relieved at this guilty verdict. This individual didn't just attack me, but he's attacked several MPs and other public servants. We in the UK pride ourselves as a global symbol of democracy, built around respectful debate to build a more inclusive and harmonious society. Violence against anyone for their political beliefs is unacceptable. I would like to thank the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service), Transport for London and the British Transport Police who have been fantastic throughout."

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Ben Glaze