Menu
20/05/2004
Commons security reviewed after flour-bomb fiasco
House of Commons authorities, the Metropolitan police and the secret services have joined together to launch a security review following yesterday's flour-bomb attack on the Prime Minister as he took to the dispatch box.
The Prime Minister's Official Spokesperson (PMOS) said that there were "serious implications" when something of this nature occurred – however, the House authorities, together with the Met Police and the security services, were already conducting a review into security.
The spokesperson said that the best way to deal with yesterday's security fiasco was to act "calmly, coolly and by using all the expertise we had".
Two men were charged today following the incident. Patrick Ronald Davis, 48, from Worthing, Sussex, and Guy Richard Harrison, 36, from Ashurst, Steyning, Sussex, have both been charged with using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour. The pair will appear in court next week.
Yesterday in the House of Lords, an apologetic Labour peer, Baroness Golding, admitted that the two protesters had gained access to the House on tickets she handed out. The Speaker Michael Martin has suspended the rights of peers to offer tickets for Commons sessions.
The Prime Minister was hit once on the back with a missile containing dyed flour yesterday morning as two members of the Fathers 4 Justice lobby group began their spectacular protest.
The Prime Minister looked a little bemused as he left the chamber, but was otherwise in good spirits.
According to the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman (PMOS), the first question Mr Blair asked on leaving the House was how soon he would be able to return to the Chamber to continue PMQs.
According to the spokesperson, the Prime Minister's jacket was now "in the appropriate hands" – whether this meant dry-cleaning or forensic experts, he would not say.
Asked if the Prime Minister would be prepared to press charges for assault and/or to testify in court if necessary, the PMOS said that it was important to let the authorities deal with this case in the proper way.
He added: "Clearly there was a fine balance to be struck between allowing access, which was what a democratic political process was all about, and ensuring proper security. That was precisely why it was important to safeguard, and not abuse, the access that was allowed.
"There were proper ways and procedures for pressure groups, no matter what their interest, to express their views. These should not be abused."
On the motives behind the protest, the spokesperson acknowledged that Mr Blair had "deep sympathy" with those involved in "what was obviously a very complex and emotionally fraught issue on both sides".
(gmcg)
The Prime Minister's Official Spokesperson (PMOS) said that there were "serious implications" when something of this nature occurred – however, the House authorities, together with the Met Police and the security services, were already conducting a review into security.
The spokesperson said that the best way to deal with yesterday's security fiasco was to act "calmly, coolly and by using all the expertise we had".
Two men were charged today following the incident. Patrick Ronald Davis, 48, from Worthing, Sussex, and Guy Richard Harrison, 36, from Ashurst, Steyning, Sussex, have both been charged with using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour. The pair will appear in court next week.
Yesterday in the House of Lords, an apologetic Labour peer, Baroness Golding, admitted that the two protesters had gained access to the House on tickets she handed out. The Speaker Michael Martin has suspended the rights of peers to offer tickets for Commons sessions.
The Prime Minister was hit once on the back with a missile containing dyed flour yesterday morning as two members of the Fathers 4 Justice lobby group began their spectacular protest.
The Prime Minister looked a little bemused as he left the chamber, but was otherwise in good spirits.
According to the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman (PMOS), the first question Mr Blair asked on leaving the House was how soon he would be able to return to the Chamber to continue PMQs.
According to the spokesperson, the Prime Minister's jacket was now "in the appropriate hands" – whether this meant dry-cleaning or forensic experts, he would not say.
Asked if the Prime Minister would be prepared to press charges for assault and/or to testify in court if necessary, the PMOS said that it was important to let the authorities deal with this case in the proper way.
He added: "Clearly there was a fine balance to be struck between allowing access, which was what a democratic political process was all about, and ensuring proper security. That was precisely why it was important to safeguard, and not abuse, the access that was allowed.
"There were proper ways and procedures for pressure groups, no matter what their interest, to express their views. These should not be abused."
On the motives behind the protest, the spokesperson acknowledged that Mr Blair had "deep sympathy" with those involved in "what was obviously a very complex and emotionally fraught issue on both sides".
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 December 2013
£1bn Towards Free School Meals
£1bn is being unlocked to fund the Department of Education's free school meals commitment. The news, announced by deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, follows an announcement in September that every child in reception, year 1 and year 2 in state-funded schools will receive a free school lunch.
£1bn Towards Free School Meals
£1bn is being unlocked to fund the Department of Education's free school meals commitment. The news, announced by deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, follows an announcement in September that every child in reception, year 1 and year 2 in state-funded schools will receive a free school lunch.
27 April 2011
Deputy PM Attends First NHS Listening Event For Patients
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Care Services Minister Paul Burstow today heard views from patients at the first listening event on NHS modernisation exclusively for patients. Health Secretary Andrew Lansley today also met staff and patients at a listening event at a GP consortium.
Deputy PM Attends First NHS Listening Event For Patients
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Care Services Minister Paul Burstow today heard views from patients at the first listening event on NHS modernisation exclusively for patients. Health Secretary Andrew Lansley today also met staff and patients at a listening event at a GP consortium.
18 February 2011
Cameron Faces Clegg In AV Debate
Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg have launched their campaigns over the proposed Alternative Vote (AV) electoral system. Discussing his objections to AV, the Prime Minister said an unclear voting system would mean an unaccountable political system producing unfair outcomes.
Cameron Faces Clegg In AV Debate
Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg have launched their campaigns over the proposed Alternative Vote (AV) electoral system. Discussing his objections to AV, the Prime Minister said an unclear voting system would mean an unaccountable political system producing unfair outcomes.
19 January 2011
Release Of Bush Blair Memos Vetoed
The public disclosure of a number of secret memos between former Prime Minister Blair and ex US President Bush, sent during the run up to the Iraq invasion, has been blocked. The potentially politically volatile memos were determined to be made public as part of the ongoing Chilcot Inquiry into the war by the inquiry chairman, Sir John Chilcot.
Release Of Bush Blair Memos Vetoed
The public disclosure of a number of secret memos between former Prime Minister Blair and ex US President Bush, sent during the run up to the Iraq invasion, has been blocked. The potentially politically volatile memos were determined to be made public as part of the ongoing Chilcot Inquiry into the war by the inquiry chairman, Sir John Chilcot.
20 July 2007
Blair 'pleased' by honours inquiry ruling
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has said that he is "very pleased" by the news that the cash-for-honours inquiry has ended with no charges being brought.
Blair 'pleased' by honours inquiry ruling
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has said that he is "very pleased" by the news that the cash-for-honours inquiry has ended with no charges being brought.
-
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.
