Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Two Arrested Over Phone Planted to Disrupt PMQs in Commons Security Breach

Detectives say the device was planted to disrupt proceedings, with the major breach still under active investigation.

Overview

  • Met police found the phone near the frontbench during a routine chamber sweep at 10:25 on 3 September.
  • A man in his 30s was arrested on 5 September and a man in his 60s on 30 September on suspicion of attempting to intentionally cause a public nuisance, and both were bailed.
  • Reporting says the device was taped under a table, fell to the floor, and later rang twice during Prime Minister’s Questions with a sexually explicit tone despite having been discovered earlier.
  • Parliament introduced tighter measures after the find, cancelling audio and guided tours and restricting public access to the Commons, with the Lords applying similar precautions.
  • Police are keeping the Speaker and Clerk updated as they treat the case as a major breach that targeted a high-profile weekly session during a period of security staff industrial action.