Westminster attack: MPs and peers to question security procedures

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 in London committed by Khalid Masood, who stabbed a police officer to death within parliament’s grounds and killed three other people and injured dozens more on Westminster Bridge.

One parliamentarian who will be present at the meeting said some of the key questions that needed answering were about evacuation procedures, and a detailed investigation of exactly how the attack unfolded.

The source said there will be questions about how prepared parliament was for such an attack, given the lack of announcements by loudspeakers or emails to those working on the estate, and length of time before people were alerted and told where to muster.

Day to day business has proceeded almost normally for MPs, peers, and staff since the attack on 22 March. But a number have begun to raise concerns with authorities saying security must be improved in the wake of the incident. They are also likely to demand answers of House authorities about why the entrance to Carriage Gates in Parliament Square remained open for about a minute after the attacker entered, allowing a motorcycle courier through. Footage has emerged showing the gate appearing to be unguarded while officers attended to their wounded colleague.

Carriage Gates has long been regarded as a weak point in parliament’s perimeter and was due to be improved as part of a “security enhancement project” this year.

Last week, a parliamentary spokesman released a statement saying security measures at the Palace of Westminster had been “reviewed, upgraded and enhanced” since the creation of a dedicated department in 2016.

The spokesman said: “As is good practice following any significant incident, the Houses, in conjunction with the police and other bodies, are carrying out a review of security around this specific incident. A series of exceptional meetings are scheduled for next week including a joint meeting of the House of Commons and House of Lords commissions where the details of the review are expected to be discussed.

“The consultative panel on parliamentary security will be also be meeting next week and working closely with those involved throughout the review to ensure that members’ views and experiences are considered and members are kept informed and updated about the process.”