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Man Remanded After Widdecombe Attack; PM Calls Security Review

7/22/2026

46 10 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Joshua Kerry entered Ann Widdecombe’s home on 8 July and hammered her head 21 times.
He asked for her ID, struck her repeatedly, tipped her from her chair and stole her wallet.
Kerry appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 21 July, was remanded in custody and will trial on 8 June 2027.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham called for a review of MPs’ security as police probe possible political or terrorist motives.

History

Historical Context

Jo Cox’s murder on 16 June 2016 – the first killing of a sitting MP since Ian Gow in 1990 and the first serious assault since Stephen Timms in 2010 – led to the creation of Operation Bridger and tighter parliamentary security. That precedent underpins current calls to review MP protection after recent assaults.

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Story summary

Joshua Kerry entered Ann Widdecombe’s home on 8 July and hammered her head 21 times.
He asked for her ID, struck her repeatedly, tipped her from her chair and stole her wallet.
Kerry appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 21 July, was remanded in custody and will trial on 8 June 2027.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham called for a review of MPs’ security as police probe possible political or terrorist motives.

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