Does Boris always travel with security?

[MapleLeafForever]

The news reports today said that Boris returned economy class with his family on a BA plane, with a large security detail around him including members of the Metropolitan police; the security tried to prevent people from taking photos on the plane, and escorted them off via the back door of the plane into two waiting vans.

I'm assuming he wasn't intending to come back today all along (he has been there a few weeks) - the fact that they're coming back economy perhaps suggests it was a last minute decision to get that flight. So all the security officers - including some from the met - were out there with him all along? Or flew out specifically to accompany him back? Taxpayers expense, presumably.

I understand former PMs might need some amount of security for the rest of their lives, though not to the extent that former US presidents might. But I thought that might be security around their residences, or the occasional bodyguard when they were out doing official-type things, public speaking ,etc. I wouldn't have thought that they needed a large security team with them always, including on holidays or when going about their daily business in the UK. So was this team always with them all along, or just arranged for this flight? I can't imagine all the former PMs needing or wanting that level of security either, so is it just for Boris?

Police/security is always provided to ex prime ministers.

Always.

All ex PMs are given this.
Costs the taxpayer a fortune - Major, Blair, Brown, Cameron, May all also get this.

Especially the rate we are getting through them

Even Liz Truss will get it. You can bet everyone secretly likes it. Prob a boring job for the security but better than out detecting crime

thanks.

I knew they'd be entitled to some security, but didn't this it would be to this extent! Having large security teams along on all your holidays, and the rest of your daily life, plus presumably your family's daily lives, would be a very strong reason not to want to do the job!!

Several weeks in the Dominican Republic for a large team must end up costing a fair whack ,too.

Thatcher likely had the biggest level of security around her since the PSF/PIRA kept her on their hit list right up until she died. She was the first and last PM to successfully deploy the SAS against the Provos which is why she ended up on it.

I think most countries continue to provide personal security to former leaders which us normal.

I had no idea!!! This shit is costing us a fortune!!!!!

There are, unfortunately, several reasons why it is necessary. Kidnap and assassination being a couple that spring immediately to mind. Not to mention the constant harassment from the paparazzi and members of the public.

They have to really. Must be a pain. I hate Johnson but I don't want him taken out by a lunatic.

its always been the case. Maybe PM’s are expected to hang around a bit longer than Liz did.

Each ex pm has a group of specially trained protection officers. It costs the country £££££.

They all do, labour ones as well

I also think This is right,the level of security is based on what they deem the level of risk, so for example John major will get less than boris.

Teresa May shops regularly in her local Waitrose. Security are stationed outside and follow her in the store when she is there.

They are discreet, but you can spot them.

I imagine Boris prefers his security not to be discreet.

I would too if I had young kids.

All Prime Ministers and former ones do.

There are some sick people who would probably harm his children or his wife if they could to get back at him.

I have had a few ex PMs as passengers in first class when I was cabin crew. They all had two bodyguards with them, on had a first class seat, the other sat in business class just next to the curtain. Tony Blair had them carrying his luggage too.

Not worried about security then. They aren't there to carry luggage as their hands aren't free to get radios or weapons

Not so long ago there was a big fuss in the papers because Tony Blair was costing several million a year in security - much more than other former PMs. That was because he was flying round the world so much, he had to take a few security officers with him at any one time. And he was more at threat than other PMs because of the Iraq war.
It's just what happens when you become PM. I can't think it's great fun having them always present.

I can think of two MPs off the top of my head, Jo Cox and Sir David Amess, that have been murdered because of their job. I cant stand Boris but wouldn't wish that horror on anyone.