MPs and peers are to raise concerns about evacuation procedures and security at the main entrance to parliament, as the authorities responsible for running the Palace of Westminster gather to discuss last week's terror attack.
Wednesday's meeting of the Lords and Commons commissions has been convened to discuss inquiries into the attack committed by Khalid Masood, who stabbed a police officer to death within parliament's grounds and killed three other people on Westminster Bridge.
One parliamentarian present at the meeting said key questions included evacuation procedures and a detailed investigation of how the attack unfolded. Concerns have been raised about the lack of announcements by loudspeakers or emails to those working on the estate, and the length of time before people were alerted and told where to muster.
Security at Carriage Gates, a long-regarded weak point in parliament's perimeter, is also likely to be questioned. Footage has shown the gate appeared unguarded for about a minute after the attacker entered, while officers attended to their wounded colleague. The gate was due to be improved as part of a security enhancement project this year.
A parliamentary spokesman said security measures at the Palace of Westminster had been reviewed, upgraded and enhanced since 2016. He added that a review of the incident was being carried out in conjunction with the police, and that a joint meeting of the commissions would discuss the details. The consultative panel on parliamentary security is also due to meet next week.
