MPs' Bodyguards Deployed Without Stab Vests or Clearance, Union Claims

The Unite union has lodged a grievance, addressed to Mitie’s managing director for security Gary Culloden, claiming that close-protection officers hired by Mitie Protective Services were sent to work without stab vests and, in several instances, without completing required security clearances. The union says these omissions occurred repeatedly during the 2024 general-election period, exposing both staff and the MPs they protect to heightened danger.

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Protection for at-risk MPs was previously provided by Metropolitan Police officers, who routinely wore stab vests. In November 2024 the Home Office transferred the role to Mitie after a short-term contract covering the 2024 election, following the murders of MP Jo Cox (2016), MP Sir David Amess (2021) and PC Keith Palmer (2017).

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• Early 2024 – Mitie begins short-term contract for the general election.

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• Mid-2024 – Unite files grievance alleging missing vests and clearance failures.

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• Late 2024 – Mitie meets union representatives and agrees to introduce stab vests.

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Unite argues the alleged cost-cutting endangers staff and elected officials and could compromise national security by granting unvetted individuals privileged access. The union warns that continued gaps may trigger industrial action, highlighting the political stakes of outsourcing parliamentary protection.

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Unite’s grievance describes the problems as “repeated and consistent” across deployments. Mitie has met union representatives and agreed to introduce stab vests, though the Home Office has not issued a detailed public response.

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Unite frames the situation as profit-driven neglect of safety, contrasting private contractor standards with those of the Metropolitan Police. The union says members will act if safety does not improve promptly.

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The sources provide only Unite’s allegations and Mitie’s limited acknowledgment; no independent verification of vest provision or clearance status is offered.

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• “It is totally unacceptable to be penny pinching when it comes to the safety of workers,” — Sharon Graham, Unite General Secretary

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• “Mitie’s refusal to issue stab vests is putting our members and the MPs they are guarding at risk.” — Sharon Graham, Unite General Secretary

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• “This is dangerous work. Our members’ lives and those of the MPs they are employed to protect should not be put at risk for the sake of profit,” — Keith Henderson, Unite Regional Officer

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• “Unless the situation rapidly improves, our members will take action to ensure their safety,” — Keith Henderson, Unite Regional Officer

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Unite says industrial action remains possible if safety concerns persist. Monitoring currently of Mitie’s compliance with protective equipment and clearance requirements is expected, alongside potential parliamentary scrutiny of the outsourcing deal.

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