Lord Walney addresses growing issue of political violence following killing of MP Sir David Amess

Lord Walney, who is leading a review on political violence and disruption, has called for a discreet police presence during MP's surgeries when they meet with constituents to ensure safety.

"This transports us back to when MP Jo Cox died - the shock of that - and now with Sir David losing his life," Lord Walney said.

"I think on policing and security, Harriet Harmon had a strong point where there is surely a medium where no one is talking about close protection for MPs like the Home Secretary and Prime Minister has but, in those days and weeks after Jo died where increased security in our offices but many of the MPs wanted to keep the open surgeries in a visible area for members of the public.

Sir David Amess MP Pic: PA

"Whilst there was an increased level of communication with police as to where surgeries were taking place there has not been - to my knowledge - a discreet police presence at most of those events.

"I realise that will increase levels of resources for police but surely it is something that ought to be on the table now.

"This could be done in a discreet way in that conversations between MPs and constituents could still be private.

"We are not talking about a round-the-clock police presence as that is not something wanted by anyone."

Lord Walney went on to say how he hoped more would come from her death in terms of security for politicians, but now this instance means the question is very much in the public eye again.

His review is due to be handed to the Prime Minister before Christmas.

"We have to look at this again now because there are number of different factors that drive people towards political violence and what they have in common is that they have a sense of righteousness in their cause and they believe they are doing the right thing," Lord Walney continued.

"This legitimises in their mind behaviour of extreme violence as well as unacceptable behaviour below that."