A government-commissioned review conducted by Crossbench peer Lord Walney has recommended that police should be granted additional powers to address protests outside Parliament. The review highlighted the need to protect MPs from intimidation that could influence their voting decisions. This call for increased police authority follows Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle's contentious decision during a debate on Gaza, where he allowed a wider range of positions to be voted on to safeguard politicians from safety threats.

Home Secretary James Cleverly stated that police should intervene when protesters gather near MPs' residences with the intention of manipulating their voting behaviors. However, Cleverly expressed that he did not believe significantly greater powers were required to manage demonstrations outside Parliament. The debate surrounding MP safety has escalated in recent years, with concerns raised about the repercussions of the threatening environment on politicians' actions.

Former Labour MP John Woodcock, now known as Lord Walney, who was tasked with conducting the review on political violence three years ago, emphasized the necessity of granting police an easier and faster process to disperse individuals from locations crucial to democracy. The review reportedly recommends extending Public Space Protection Orders to democratic venues such as Parliament, MPs' offices, and council buildings, allowing fines for violators.

While there has been support for tougher actions against protests near MPs' homes, some, like former Labour MP and crossbench peer Lord Mann, have cautioned against the dangers of banning noisy demonstrations outside Parliament. The government, on the other hand, stated that MPs' safety is a top priority and emphasized that the police should utilize all available powers to shield politicians.

As debates over various issues, including the recent Gaza conflict and climate change, continue to unfold, the review's proposals are likely to spark discussions on the balance between protecting MPs and ensuring the right to protest. With more than 60 Conservative and SNP MPs expressing no confidence in Speaker Sir Lindsay over the handling of recent voting procedures, the safety and security of politicians remain a prominent issue in the political landscape.