Mike Freer announced last week that he would be resigning as an MP before the forthcoming election, following a series of death threats and harassment.
After MP Mike Freer reported receiving a threatening phone call, a man has been arrested.
Mr. Freer, the current Member of Parliament for Finchley and Golders Green and a minister, declared last week that he would not stand for re-election, citing a barrage of death threats and insults.
He stated that the arson attack on his office on Christmas Eve was the “final straw.”
Officers arrested a suspect in connection with a report of an “abusive and threatening” phone call received on Wednesday of last week, the day Mr. Freer announced his decision to step down, according to a statement released by the Metropolitan Police today.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police stated, “On Tuesday, 6 February, a 46-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of malicious communications following the launch of an investigation.”
He remains in custody at a north London police station.
According to the police, this investigation is separate from the arson attack.
“A man and a woman have been remanded in custody charged with arson with intent to endanger life,” the spokesperson added.
Our investigation determined that the incident did not constitute a hate crime, and there is no evident link between the two incidents.
Strengthening Security for Elected Officials
Detective Superintendent Will Lexton-Jones said, “Ensuring the safety and security of elected officials and their staff is of paramount importance, and we are committed to doing exactly that.”
Today’s arrest sends a clear message that any form of intimidation or threats against elected officials will not be tolerated. We will deal with such offences promptly and robustly.
We maintain regular contact with Members of Parliament (MPs) and other elected officials, and are aware of their increasing concerns about their personal safety. As expected, we have kept Mr. Freer updated on this investigation, including today’s arrest.
The Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, said last week that safety measures are constantly under review, and the legislature “works closely with all police forces across the country.”
The issue of MPs’ security has become more prominent following the tragic deaths of Jo Cox and Sir David Amess.
Operation Bridger is a national police initiative that supports MPs across the UK.
There have been briefings on regional security for MPs and other elected officials.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police added that security measures are reviewed, adapted, and strengthened as needed in response to specific identified threats.
We continuously assess the support provided to MPs and their staff to ensure that appropriate safety measures are in place.
