Members of the general public have been briefly banned from strolling into the primary chamber of the Home of Commons after a cell phone was discovered hidden there throughout a safety sweep.
The gadget was found shortly earlier than Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday.
In keeping with some media reviews, the cellphone was positioned close to the entrance benches the place authorities ministers sit.
The momentary ban on the general public getting into the primary chambers within the Commons and Lords will stay in place “till additional discover”, a UK Parliament spokesperson stated.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the invention throughout a routine search of the Commons chamber on Wednesday.
“Enquiries have led officers to imagine that the cellphone was purposely positioned in a location with the goal of inflicting disruption to enterprise within the Home. An investigation has been launched and enquiries are ongoing. Now we have up to date the Speaker and Clerk of the Home”, a press release from the Met Police stated.
A spokesperson for UK Parliament stated: “Whereas investigations proceed, we’ve got determined to briefly restrict full public excursions in each Chambers from Saturday 6 September, till additional discover. Public entry to the remainder of Parliament is unaffected and stays open as ordinary.
“Now we have strong and proactive safety measures in place in Parliament and the protection and safety of everybody who works or visits right here stays our high precedence.”
All UK residents are entitled to a free guided tour of the Palace of Westminster, which could be booked by contacting their native MP.
Guided excursions and self-guided audio excursions are additionally accessible to all guests, together with vacationers.
