Security vetting stepped up after MP is given bodyguard with far-right links

Extra social media checks brought in amid growing threat to politicians from extremists

The security company that provides bodyguards for MPs has tightened its vetting processes after it sent a bodyguard with far-right links to protect a politician who was under threat from extremists.

Mitie, which has a 31m contract for the work, is updating its CPO (Close Protection Operative) vetting processes to include regular social media checks. There will also be random checks on the social media activity of those already taken on.