Security Breach at PMQs as Phone is Planted to Cause Disruption
A significant security breach occurred in the House of Commons after a mobile phone was deliberately hidden with the intention of playing sexually explicit noises during Prime Minister's Questions. The device was discovered during a routine security sweep, averting a major disruption to the weekly political showdown.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that two men, one in his 30s and another in his 60s, were arrested on suspicion of attempting to intentionally cause a public nuisance. Both individuals were arrested in September and have since been released on bail, pending further investigation.
The Discovery of the Device
The incident unfolded on Wednesday, 3 September, when the phone was found during a standard search of the Commons chamber by police officers. According to reports, the device had been taped underneath a table but had become dislodged and fallen onto the floor.
It is understood that the phone was positioned near the frontbench, strategically placed to cause maximum disruption during the weekly session where the Prime Minister faces questions from the Leader of the Opposition, Sir Keir Starmer. The phone reportedly rang twice with an explicit ringtone during PMQs, but it had already been identified and removed.
Heightened Security and Wider Impact
In the wake of the discovery, heightened security measures were immediately introduced across the parliamentary estate. Audio and guided tours were cancelled, and access to the historic Commons chamber was significantly reduced as a precaution.
The House of Lords followed suit, implementing similar restrictions to its own chamber. This security scare took place while hundreds of parliamentary security staff were on strike over pay and conditions, which had already led to a ban on visitors to the estate.
A UK Parliament spokesperson emphasised that safety is their top priority, stating that the discovery of the phone demonstrated the effectiveness of their proactive security measures, which include screening and routine searches.
