Former home secretary Suella Braverman reveals she still needs 24/7 police protection and faces abuse in public over her views on Israel

Suella Braverman has revealed she still needs 24/7 police protection and faces ongoing abuse in public due to her outspoken views on Israel.

The former Home Secretary, who was sacked last year after criticising the Met Police's response to pro-Palestinian protests in London, said she was called a 'genocidal bleep' in front of her children at a supermarket.

The level of harassment towards her has meant she maintains the same high level of protection she received while still a Cabinet minister.

Mrs Braverman told the BBC: 'It's obviously about the issue to do with Israel and Hamas. And a couple of people came very close up to me. 

'They said, 'Hey, this is Suella Braverman. You're a genocidal bleep'. 

'I've never incited violence. I've never threatened to attack anybody. I've never encouraged anybody to be violent. 

'I have set out very legitimate views, about political issues because I'm a politician and it's my job to do so.

'It's not an excuse to tell someone you're going to kill them or rape them or kill their child.'

Activists also found out where her husband worked and sent him abusive phone messages, she said.

The issue of security for MPs has been a huge factor in this election. In February, the Home Office announced a £31million budget for security for politicians.

All election candidates now have access to panic alarms and a named police contact to liaise with on security matters.

The heightened protection comes after the tragic deaths of Jo Cox in 2016 and Sir David Amess in 2021.

Candidates have raised concerns about being confronted over controversial issues such as Brexit, or the war in Gaza.

On Sunday the office of Labour MP Stella Creasy was vandalised, with the attacker using a hammer to smash the windows in.

Several candidates - including Rosie Duffield, who has been outspoken over her gender critical views - have also pulled out of local hustings in their constituencies due to safety worries.

Labour's Naz Shah, who has faced a significant level of abuse, said she has taught her children how to use panic alarms and how to communicate with the police using agreed safe words.

And ex-minister Tobias Ellwood, who faced demonstrations outside his family home in February, said he keeps a stab vest and flak jackets in his car.

In February, Mr Sunak said: 'There is a growing consensus that mob rule is replacing democratic rule. And we've got to collectively, all of us, change that urgently.

'I am going to do whatever it requires to protect our democracy and our values that we all hold dear.'