Pro-Palestine protesters staged a demonstration outside the home of Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood, accusing him of complicity in genocide. The activists, wielding flags, placards, and a megaphone, gathered outside Ellwood’s family residence in Dorset, where he was present with his children. The protest concluded around 9pm on Monday, prompting police intervention under Operation Bridger, a security protocol aimed at safeguarding MPs’ homes and constituency offices.
Dorset Police stated their commitment to upholding the right to lawful protest while ensuring public safety and preventing significant disorder or disruption. Approximately 80 protesters lined the road, with some displaying placards featuring Ellwood’s image overlaid with the accusation of complicity in genocide.
Fellow Conservative MP Jonathan Gullis condemned the incident, revealing security measures in his own home, including panic alarms and reinforced windows. He expressed frustration at the necessity for such precautions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining safety for public servants.
Alicia Kearns MP, head of the Commons’ foreign affairs select committee, denounced the targeting of an MP’s private residence, asserting its detrimental impact on political discourse and the need to uphold respect for privacy and safety in democratic engagement.