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19/11/2003
Government and palace launch probe into security lapse
Following revelations today exposing a serious lapse in security at Buckingham Palace, the government has said that it will launch an urgent review of royal security.
Home Secretary David Blunkett spoke of his "concerns" during a statement to the Commons today in relation to a Daily Mirror investigation which saw a reporter gain employment as a footman in the royal household for two months – despite his providing falsified references on his application. More embarrassing still, today's Daily Mirror exclusive coincided with the first state visit of a US president since 1918.
The journalist, Ryan Parry, claimed that lax security had allowed him direct access to senior royals, including the Queen, before he quit the palace last night. He had been scheduled to serve breakfast to US administration officials such as US Secretary of State Colin Powell and National Security Adviser Condoleeza Rice today.
Mr Parry claimed that had a terrorist been admitted to the royal household in the manner that he had been, an assassination attempt could have been made on the Queen and President Bush with "absolute ease".
Mr Blunkett told MPs today that the Security Commission had been instructed to stage a full-scale investigation, while the palace authorities will also carry out their own review.
"One of the strengths of our democracy is that such breaches are open to scrutiny, that we can learn quickly from them, and that nothing is swept under the carpet," the Home Secretary told the House.
Opposition parties were highly critical of royal security, especially as recent reports indicated that London is now a likely target for terrorist attack.
Tory Shadow Home Secretary David Davis described the revelations as "grave and worrying".
"The potential consequences are obviously very serious. Important lessons should have been learnt after the security breach in Windsor Castle earlier this year," he said.
"All the available evidence suggests this is less a series of blunders than a potentially fatal weakness at the heart of security covering the head of state."
Liberal Democrat Mayoral candidate, Simon Hughes, said that the breach was "deeply disturbing", and that Palace security must work alongside the Metropolitan Police to discover how such a worrying lapse could have happened.
He added: "When so much money and manpower has been spent on preventing any attempts by terrorists to attack the President of the United States while in London it is incredible that a journalist can sneak in through the tradesman’s entrance.
"Coming so soon after the break-in at Windsor Castle, an urgent investigation must be done to make sure that this never happens again."
The Metropolitan Police was strongly reprimanded after self-styled 'comedy terrorist' Aaron Barschak gatecrashed Prince William's 21st birthday party in Windsor Castle last June.
(gmcg)
Home Secretary David Blunkett spoke of his "concerns" during a statement to the Commons today in relation to a Daily Mirror investigation which saw a reporter gain employment as a footman in the royal household for two months – despite his providing falsified references on his application. More embarrassing still, today's Daily Mirror exclusive coincided with the first state visit of a US president since 1918.
The journalist, Ryan Parry, claimed that lax security had allowed him direct access to senior royals, including the Queen, before he quit the palace last night. He had been scheduled to serve breakfast to US administration officials such as US Secretary of State Colin Powell and National Security Adviser Condoleeza Rice today.
Mr Parry claimed that had a terrorist been admitted to the royal household in the manner that he had been, an assassination attempt could have been made on the Queen and President Bush with "absolute ease".
Mr Blunkett told MPs today that the Security Commission had been instructed to stage a full-scale investigation, while the palace authorities will also carry out their own review.
"One of the strengths of our democracy is that such breaches are open to scrutiny, that we can learn quickly from them, and that nothing is swept under the carpet," the Home Secretary told the House.
Opposition parties were highly critical of royal security, especially as recent reports indicated that London is now a likely target for terrorist attack.
Tory Shadow Home Secretary David Davis described the revelations as "grave and worrying".
"The potential consequences are obviously very serious. Important lessons should have been learnt after the security breach in Windsor Castle earlier this year," he said.
"All the available evidence suggests this is less a series of blunders than a potentially fatal weakness at the heart of security covering the head of state."
Liberal Democrat Mayoral candidate, Simon Hughes, said that the breach was "deeply disturbing", and that Palace security must work alongside the Metropolitan Police to discover how such a worrying lapse could have happened.
He added: "When so much money and manpower has been spent on preventing any attempts by terrorists to attack the President of the United States while in London it is incredible that a journalist can sneak in through the tradesman’s entrance.
"Coming so soon after the break-in at Windsor Castle, an urgent investigation must be done to make sure that this never happens again."
The Metropolitan Police was strongly reprimanded after self-styled 'comedy terrorist' Aaron Barschak gatecrashed Prince William's 21st birthday party in Windsor Castle last June.
(gmcg)
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02 April 2003
Regulatory body for security guards and bouncers launched
In a shake up of the private security industry announced today bouncers and wheel clampers will have to be licensed and regulated by the new Security Industry Authority (SIA). The measures are designed to protect the public from rogue operators and create higher standards of recruitment and training for private security operatives and managers.
Regulatory body for security guards and bouncers launched
In a shake up of the private security industry announced today bouncers and wheel clampers will have to be licensed and regulated by the new Security Industry Authority (SIA). The measures are designed to protect the public from rogue operators and create higher standards of recruitment and training for private security operatives and managers.
28 April 2011
Syrian's Royal Wedding Invite Withdrawn
Foreign Secretary William Hague has decided that the presence of the Syrian Ambassador at the Royal Wedding would be unacceptable and that he should not attend.
Syrian's Royal Wedding Invite Withdrawn
Foreign Secretary William Hague has decided that the presence of the Syrian Ambassador at the Royal Wedding would be unacceptable and that he should not attend.
06 May 2004
Brigadier named as new Royal Security chief
A new director of Royal Security has been appointed, Buckingham Palace has announced. Brigadier Jeff Cook took up the position of Director for Security Liaison, on May 4, following recommendations from the recent Security Commission Report.
Brigadier named as new Royal Security chief
A new director of Royal Security has been appointed, Buckingham Palace has announced. Brigadier Jeff Cook took up the position of Director for Security Liaison, on May 4, following recommendations from the recent Security Commission Report.
07 August 2009
Paras Killed In Afghanistan Blast
Three British soldiers have been killed by a roadside bomb in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced today. The servicemen from the Parachute Regiment, died after their Jackal armoured vehicle was hit by an explosion and small-arms fire north of Lashkar Gah in Helmand province on Thursday afternoon.
Paras Killed In Afghanistan Blast
Three British soldiers have been killed by a roadside bomb in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced today. The servicemen from the Parachute Regiment, died after their Jackal armoured vehicle was hit by an explosion and small-arms fire north of Lashkar Gah in Helmand province on Thursday afternoon.
18 May 2004
Royal security under scrutiny after intruder arrests
Royal security is under the spotlight again today after an intruder was arrested close to the Queen's apartments at Windsor Castle yesterday evening. The man was arrested for allegedly impersonating a police officer within the grounds of Windsor Castle at around 4pm. A woman who was accompanying him was also arrested.
Royal security under scrutiny after intruder arrests
Royal security is under the spotlight again today after an intruder was arrested close to the Queen's apartments at Windsor Castle yesterday evening. The man was arrested for allegedly impersonating a police officer within the grounds of Windsor Castle at around 4pm. A woman who was accompanying him was also arrested.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
