Two Men Arrested Over Mobile Device Hidden in Commons to Reportedly Play Inappropriate Sounds At PMQs
Police have arrested two men in connection with a mobile phone discovered concealed within the parliamentary chamber, which was allegedly intended to emit sex noises during the prime minister’s questions.
Discovery and Investigation
This phone was uncovered close to the frontbench during a routine sweep of the chamber. Authorities suspect it was meant to interrupt the keynote weekly showdown between political leaders in September.
An official representative commented, “At 10.25 on Wednesday 3 September, a mobile phone was found during a routine search of the House of Commons chamber.”
Arrests and Allegations
Enquiries led officers to believe that the phone was purposely positioned in a spot with the aim of causing disruption to proceedings in the house.
- An individual in his thirties was arrested on Friday 5 September on suspicion of trying to deliberately cause a disturbance.
- Another man in his sixties was arrested on Tuesday 30 September on allegations of the identical charge.
- Both have been bailed to appear at a later date.
Precautions and Impact
Heightened precautions were introduced in the Commons after the device was discovered. Sound-guided visits and escorted visits were cancelled, and there was limited entry to the main hall.
The upper house followed suit to reduce access to the their debating area “for safety reasons.”
The spokesperson added, “Investigations continue, and we are updating the parliamentary officials informed with our probe.”
Gravity of the Incident
This incident is being regarded as grave as it constitutes a major breach of parliamentary security. The phone was located while numerous guards based in Westminster were on strike over wages and terms.
Consequently, visitors were prohibited from the parliamentary estate. The union explained that the work stoppage proceeded due to reduction of annual leave entitlements, stagnant pay, and an ethnicity pay gap.
