Security at the Palace of Westminster

Report: 11
Date: 24 February 2005
By: Clerk and Treasurer

Summary

This report summarises the work of the MPS and Security Services in relation to the review of the Security of the Palace of Westminster and the progress made to implement the recommendations of the review.

A. Recommendation

That the report be noted.

B. Supporting information

1 In the Spring of 2004 the Speaker of the House of Commons and the Lord Chairman of Committees of the House of Lords, agreed to a review of security at the Palace of Westminster to be jointly conducted by the Metropolitan Police Service and the Security Service. This review followed the climbing by Greenpeace activists of the Clock Tower (Big Ben) in March. During the work on the review unauthorised access to two further areas occurred on the Parliamentary Estate involving Fathers 4 Justice and pro-hunt supporters. These events were examined by the review team and measures to prevent a recurrence were recommended in the published report in September.

2 Over sixty recommendations were included in the Report, which was considered in early October by the Informal Joint Committee on Security. The recommendations are grouped under a number of categories: physical security; vehicles – parking, checking and searching; access control; personnel security; protection against CBR (chemical, biological and radioactive) threats; protecting information and information systems; classification of information and eavesdropping; contingency and disaster recovery plans and governance.

3 The committee considered and supported in principle many of the recommendations, some they felt required further consideration and in a small number of cases the committee advised against implementation. The Speaker and Lord Chairman of Committees endorsed the majority of the Committee’s recommendations including the appointment of a Parliamentary Security Co-ordinator. The Security Co-ordinator, Mr Peter Mason is now in place and has set up a Project Implementation Board which includes Black Rod, the Serjeant at Arms and the Palace of Westminster (SO17) Chief Superintendent. The broad governance arrangements leave executive authority with the existing post holders. Police officers remain under the operational command of the Chief Superintendent SO17. This is formally set out in the Special Service Agreement.

4 Whilst the review was in progress a number of immediate measures were adopted, designed to enhance the security of the Parliamentary Estate. These include the deployment of officers within both Houses working in conjunction with the doorkeepers to prevent unauthorised access to the chambers. Trial pass systems for all visitors are being tested before more sophisticated arrangements are introduced. Finally, more meticulous checks are being made on vehicles entering the Parliamentary Estate.

5 The internal arrangements to enhance the security of the Parliamentary Estate are supported and complemented by a range of policing and security measures being conducted around the perimeter of Parliament.

C. Equality and diversity implications

As a consequence of the Security Review there will be a strategic assessment by SO17 of future resourcing needs. This will involve working with partners from within the House and may lead to negotiations around establishment levels. This review will address equality and diversity implications and in particular will include an assessment of our working practices.

D. Financial implications

The financial implications of each of the recommendations have not been assessed in detail. The implementation is however at nil cost to the MPA because the costs of Police Officers and Police Staff are met by the Special Service Agreement between the MPA and the Houses of Parliament. This Agreement was re-drawn during 2004 and is in place for six years. On an Annual basis the cost of providing our services is reviewed and re-negotiated. Discussions have already begun between SO17 and the House Authorities to identify and reach agreement on additional staffing and related costs. SO17 consists of Police Officers, Security Officers, Fire Officers and Police Staff. There are no PCSOs and no immediate plans to recruit any.

E. Background papers

The Security of the Parliamentary Estate, a joint review by the Security Service and the Metropolitan Police Service, published 30th September 2004.

F. Contact details

Report author: Chief Superintendent David Commins

For more information contact:

MPA general: 020 7202 0202
Media enquiries: 020 7202 0217/18

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