Polanski told BBC Breakfast this morning that he has no security and he is worried:
“I am worried and I’ve been worried for a long time and I would note that Gawain Towler who is one of Reform’s closest advisers did say yesterday that other than Nigel Farage he can see that I’m under threat. I would say the big difference is Nigel Farage seems to have been offered state security and turned it down whereas so far I haven’t been offered anything at all…
It’s important that cross party we all speak with one voice on this. We must condemn political violence and no matter what someone’s views are, no matter what their politics, it’s vital we separate the person from their politics and everyone no matter what their views are deserve to be safe in their place of work…
I would encourage the government to provide me with extra security but that is a choice for them. What they have done already is there are two operations that the police have. One is called Operation Ford which is for councillors and one is called Operation Bridger which is for MPs. I’m in the unusual situation as a London assembly member and leader of the party that I haven’t fallen under either.
The Home Office since the local elections have reviewed that and now I fall under Operation Ford. So I welcome the movement on that and that’s provided me with some extra safety and some extra steps. But in terms of having security, I am worried about it both for myself and for all party leaders. It’s not going to stop me getting on with the job.”
An issue of growing concern among members of the political class…
Former Treasury minister and adviser to Burnham in the Makerfield campaign Lord Jim O’Neill, who has turned down a role in his government, said Burnham’s first statement Commons was:
“The last thing investors wanted to hear… gilt yields have risen by a 0.25% in one day, which is a lot. We’ve not had that since Liz Truss days… If your country is under the focus of ‘can they come up with a sensible fiscal strategy’ on a day when the markets think ‘well no, you’re not showing any sign of it’ you’re going to have a tough day…if it stays like this your mortgage rate is going up.”