A 28-year-old man already charged with the murder of former UK lawmaker Ann Widdecombe has now been charged with preparing acts of terrorism, including actions allegedly targeting hard-right leader Nigel Farage, British police said on Friday (Oct 02). The man identified as Joshua Kerry faces one count of preparing acts of terrorism over alleged activities between May 31, 2024, and July 8, 2026, police said. The fresh charge has prompted renewed questions about the security of politicians. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood offered her “deepest sympathy” to Farage and his family following the announcement. “Let no one make any mistake: an attack on anyone in politics is an attack on us all,” Mahmood wrote on X. “This case raises serious questions about the security of those in public life,” she added.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-hamam-al-hammami-omani-co-pilot-in-flydubai-cockpit-attack-was-already-flagged-over-security-concerns-smit-machchhar-1790992543064">Who is Hamam Al-Hammami? Omani co-pilot in Flydubai cockpit attack was already flagged over security concerns</a><h2>Police cite complex investigation</h2>Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said police had been conducting an intensive investigation involving detectives, analysts and forensic experts. The work had involved “multiple lines of enquiry”, Evans said, resulting in what she described as a “very serious charge”.Kerry is due to appear at a London magistrates’ court on October 7, according to the police statement. He was first arrested on July 11, two days after Widdecombe was killed.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/murderer-christa-pike-unconscious-on-ventilator-after-botched-execution-lawyers-tell-court-punishment-greater-than-any-other-person-1790994126174">Murderer Christa Pike unconscious, on ventilator after botched execution, lawyers tell court: 'Punishment greater than any other person'</a><h2>Kerry charged with murder of former MP</h2>Kerry was charged in July with the murder of Widdecombe, 78, a veteran Conservative MP who later joined Reform UK and served as a spokesperson for the party. Widdecombe was found dead at her home.Prosecutor Kashif Malik told a court that Kerry had allegedly struck her on the head 21 times with a hammer. Malik said Widdecombe had been eating lunch when the suspect entered her home and attacked her. He had allegedly driven from Rotherham in northern England, around 300 miles (500 kilometres) away. Her gardener found her body face down on the kitchen floor. A provisional cause of death was given as a “blunt force injury to the head”, Malik told the court.Widdecombe represented a constituency as a Conservative MP from 1987 to 2010. Known for her Christian faith and outspoken views, she later became a familiar face on reality television and interview panels. Her death was the third killing of a UK politician in an attack this decade. Labour MP Jo Cox was murdered in 2016 by a neo-Nazi sympathiser, while Conservative lawmaker David Amess was killed in 2021 by a follower of the Islamic State group.&nbsp;

A man accused of murdering former UK lawmaker Ann Widdecombe has been charged with preparing acts of terrorism, including against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. Joshua Kerry, 28, is due in court on October 7.

A 28-year-old man already charged with the murder of former UK lawmaker Ann Widdecombe has now been charged with preparing acts of terrorism, including actions allegedly targeting hard-right leader Nigel Farage, British police said on Friday (Oct 02). The man identified as Joshua Kerry faces one count of preparing acts of terrorism over alleged activities between May 31, 2024, and July 8, 2026, police said. The fresh charge has prompted renewed questions about the security of politicians. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood offered her “deepest sympathy” to Farage and his family following the announcement. “Let no one make any mistake: an attack on anyone in politics is an attack on us all,” Mahmood wrote on X. “This case raises serious questions about the security of those in public life,” she added. Also read | Who is Hamam Al-Hammami? Omani co-pilot in Flydubai cockpit attack was already flagged over security concerns Police cite complex investigation Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said police had been conducting an intensive investigation involving detectives, analysts and forensic experts. The work had involved “multiple lines of enquiry”, Evans said, resulting in what she described as a “very serious charge”. Kerry is due to appear at a London magistrates’ court on October 7, according to the police statement. He was first arrested on July 11, two days after Widdecombe was killed. Also read | Murderer Christa Pike unconscious, on ventilator after botched execution, lawyers tell court: 'Punishment greater than any other person' Kerry charged with murder of former MP Kerry was charged in July with the murder of Widdecombe, 78, a veteran Conservative MP who later joined Reform UK and served as a spokesperson for the party. Widdecombe was found dead at her home. Prosecutor Kashif Malik told a court that Kerry had allegedly struck her on the head 21 times with a hammer. Malik said Widdecombe had been eating lunch when the suspect entered her home and attacked her. He had allegedly driven from Rotherham in northern England, around 300 miles (500 kilometres) away. Her gardener found her body face down on the kitchen floor. A provisional cause of death was given as a “blunt force injury to the head”, Malik told the court. Widdecombe represented a constituency as a Conservative MP from 1987 to 2010. Known for her Christian faith and outspoken views, she later became a familiar face on reality television and interview panels. Her death was the third killing of a UK politician in an attack this decade. Labour MP Jo Cox was murdered in 2016 by a neo-Nazi sympathiser, while Conservative lawmaker David Amess was killed in 2021 by a follower of the Islamic State group.

A man accused of murdering former UK lawmaker Ann Widdecombe has been charged with preparing acts of terrorism, including against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. Joshua Kerry, 28, is due in court on October 7.

UK man charged with preparing terrorism acts, including alleged plot against Nigel Farage

Former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe was killed in a "targeted attack", with detectives continuing to investigate the motive behind her death and whether it may be linked to terrorism, police have said.&nbsp;Speaking at New Scotland Yard on Tuesday (July 14), Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, said investigators were examining Widdecombe's appearance on Talk TV on the morning she was killed as part of their inquiries.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-pays-5-6-million-to-e-jean-carroll-in-sexual-assault-and-defamation-case-1784051932141">Trump pays $5.6 million to E. Jean Carroll in sexual assault and defamation case</a>&nbsp;Taylor also declined to rule out the possibility that the suspect may have been targeting other Reform UK figures, saying detectives were keeping an open mind while the investigation progresses.&nbsp;"It is clear that this was a targeted attack. We are still working to understand the extent of any planning or preparation, and the motivation that sits behind that attack," Taylor told reporters.The body of Widdecombe, 78, was found at her home in Haytor, Devon, on Thursday, 9 July. Police believe she sustained fatal injuries during an attack that took place the previous day.&nbsp;A 28-year-old white British man was arrested in Rotherham on Saturday on suspicion of murder. On Monday, he was re-arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.&nbsp;Police have obtained a warrant under the Terrorism Act allowing them to question the suspect for up to seven days.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kuwait-hostile-targets-iran-attacks-us-military-bases-explosions-1784045139098">Iran claims fresh strikes on US military bases in Kuwait as explosions rock Gulf</a>&nbsp;Taylor said a counter-terrorism investigation was running alongside the murder inquiry but stressed that the case had "not been declared a terrorist incident at this stage".&nbsp;Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding Widdecombe's death, including any planning behind the attack and the suspect's possible motivations, while keeping all lines of inquiry open. &nbsp;

Counter-terrorism police state the killing of former Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe was a “targeted attack.” A 28-year-old suspect is being questioned under the Terrorism Act regarding potential motivations.

Former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe was killed in a "targeted attack", with detectives continuing to investigate the motive behind her death and whether it may be linked to terrorism, police have said. Speaking at New Scotland Yard on Tuesday (July 14), Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, said investigators were examining Widdecombe's appearance on Talk TV on the morning she was killed as part of their inquiries. Also read: Trump pays $5.6 million to E. Jean Carroll in sexual assault and defamation case Taylor also declined to rule out the possibility that the suspect may have been targeting other Reform UK figures, saying detectives were keeping an open mind while the investigation progresses. "It is clear that this was a targeted attack. We are still working to understand the extent of any planning or preparation, and the motivation that sits behind that attack," Taylor told reporters. The body of Widdecombe, 78, was found at her home in Haytor, Devon, on Thursday, 9 July. Police believe she sustained fatal injuries during an attack that took place the previous day. A 28-year-old white British man was arrested in Rotherham on Saturday on suspicion of murder. On Monday, he was re-arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. Police have obtained a warrant under the Terrorism Act allowing them to question the suspect for up to seven days. Also read: Iran claims fresh strikes on US military bases in Kuwait as explosions rock Gulf Taylor said a counter-terrorism investigation was running alongside the murder inquiry but stressed that the case had "not been declared a terrorist incident at this stage". Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding Widdecombe's death, including any planning behind the attack and the suspect's possible motivations, while keeping all lines of inquiry open.

Counter-terrorism police state the killing of former Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe was a “targeted attack.” A 28-year-old suspect is being questioned under the Terrorism Act regarding potential motivations.

‘Ann Widdecombe was killed in a targeted attack’: Police

A 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after former British minister, MP and television personality Ann Widdecombe was found dead with serious injuries at her home in south-west England, police said on Friday (July 10).&nbsp;Widdecombe, 78, was discovered at her home in Haytor Vale on the edge of Dartmoor National Park on Thursday. Officers said the investigation was ongoing and the suspect remained in police custody. Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said investigators did not believe the killing was an act of terrorism and that there was no information to suggest it was politically motivated.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-hiv-outbreak-health-minister-mustafa-kamal-blames-night-party-goers-for-child-infections-1783677297132">Pakistan HIV outbreak: Health Minister Mustafa Kamal blames 'night party goers' for infections</a>&nbsp;Longman declined to discuss a possible motive, saying inquiries were continuing. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the death as "really shocking news" and extended his condolences to Widdecombe's family and friends. "This is really shocking news, and my thoughts, I think all of our thoughts, will be with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this awful time," Starmer said.&nbsp;He added: “Ann was a distinguished politician over many, many years with many achievements, and it's a huge, huge loss.” Asked whether the killing could have been politically motivated, Starmer said he would not speculate while the investigation was under way. He added that the security of lawmakers remained "of the utmost importance" and urged people to rise above political differences.&nbsp;Security for British politicians has been strengthened following the murders of two serving MPs in the past decade. Labour MP Jo Cox was shot and stabbed in 2016 by a far-right extremist, while Conservative MP David Amess was fatally stabbed in 2021 by an attacker inspired by the Islamic State group.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghanistan-s-top-diplomat-in-delhi-seeks-india-s-help-in-water-management-agriculture-modernisation-1783687531113">Afghan diplomat seeks India’s help in water management, modernising agriculture</a>&nbsp;Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP in the House of Commons from 1987 to 2010 and held ministerial office during John Major's government. She was known for her socially conservative views, including her opposition to abortion rights and the expansion of LGBTQ rights.&nbsp;After leaving Parliament, she gained wider public recognition through appearances on the television programmes Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother. She later joined the Brexit Party and went on to serve as a spokeswoman for the anti-immigration Reform UK party. &nbsp;

Former British politician Ann Widdecombe, 78, was found murdered at her home on July 9. A 26-year-old man was arrested; police state the killing is not politically motivated.

A 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after former British minister, MP and television personality Ann Widdecombe was found dead with serious injuries at her home in south-west England, police said on Friday (July 10). Widdecombe, 78, was discovered at her home in Haytor Vale on the edge of Dartmoor National Park on Thursday. Officers said the investigation was ongoing and the suspect remained in police custody. Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said investigators did not believe the killing was an act of terrorism and that there was no information to suggest it was politically motivated. Also read: Pakistan HIV outbreak: Health Minister Mustafa Kamal blames 'night party goers' for infections Longman declined to discuss a possible motive, saying inquiries were continuing. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the death as "really shocking news" and extended his condolences to Widdecombe's family and friends. "This is really shocking news, and my thoughts, I think all of our thoughts, will be with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this awful time," Starmer said. He added: “Ann was a distinguished politician over many, many years with many achievements, and it's a huge, huge loss.” Asked whether the killing could have been politically motivated, Starmer said he would not speculate while the investigation was under way. He added that the security of lawmakers remained "of the utmost importance" and urged people to rise above political differences. Security for British politicians has been strengthened following the murders of two serving MPs in the past decade. Labour MP Jo Cox was shot and stabbed in 2016 by a far-right extremist, while Conservative MP David Amess was fatally stabbed in 2021 by an attacker inspired by the Islamic State group. Also read: Afghan diplomat seeks India’s help in water management, modernising agriculture Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP in the House of Commons from 1987 to 2010 and held ministerial office during John Major's government. She was known for her socially conservative views, including her opposition to abortion rights and the expansion of LGBTQ rights. After leaving Parliament, she gained wider public recognition through appearances on the television programmes Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother. She later joined the Brexit Party and went on to serve as a spokeswoman for the anti-immigration Reform UK party.

Former British politician Ann Widdecombe, 78, was found murdered at her home on July 9. A 26-year-old man was arrested; police state the killing is not politically motivated.

UK police arrest man, 26, on suspicion of murder after ex-minister Ann Widdecombe found dead

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UK man charged with preparing terrorism acts, including alleged plot against Nigel Farage

‘Ann Widdecombe was killed in a targeted attack’: Police

UK police arrest man on suspicion of murder after Ann Widdecombe found dead