A Pair of Men Detained Regarding Phone Concealed in Commons to Reportedly Play Inappropriate Sounds During Prime Minister's Questions
Police have arrested two men related to a mobile phone found hidden within the parliamentary chamber, which was allegedly intended to emit sex noises throughout the weekly parliamentary session.
Discovery and Probe
The device was uncovered near the frontbench in the course of a standard security check of the hall. It is believed it was meant to interrupt the regular debate between political leaders in September.
A police representative stated, “Around mid-morning on Wednesday 3 September, a device was discovered while conducting a routine search of the parliamentary hall.”
Arrests and Charges
Investigations suggested that the phone was deliberately placed in a spot with the aim of causing disruption to business in the house.
- A man in his thirties was arrested on Friday 5 September on suspected grounds of trying to deliberately cause a public nuisance.
- A second person in his sixties was arrested on Tuesday 30 September on allegations of the same offence.
- Both have been released on bail to return at a later date.
Precautions and Impact
Heightened precautions were introduced in the Commons after the device was found. Sound-guided visits and guided tours were called off, and there was limited entry to the main hall.
The upper house took the same decision to reduce access to the Lords Chamber “for safety reasons.”
Officials noted, “Enquiries continue, and we are updating the speaker and clerk informed with our investigation.”
Seriousness of the Event
The event is being treated seriously as it constitutes a major breach of legislative safety. The phone was located while numerous guards based in the parliamentary area were on industrial action over pay and conditions.
As a result, the public were prohibited from the legislative grounds. The union explained that the strike proceeded due to reduction of annual leave entitlements, unchanged salaries, and an ethnicity pay gap.