Security shake-up after Murdoch attack

17th October 2011

The Speaker of the Commons has said security at high-profile select committee hearings will be increased.

In a statement to the House, Speaker Bercow said the indepdendent report into security he commmissioned after Rupert Murdoch was attacked while giving evidence to the culture committee in July has made a series of recommendations.

The report said none of the security staff in the committee room at the time could reach Murdoch's assailant, who pushed a foam pie into the media mogul's face.

The 80-year-old billionaire was unhurt in the attack.

The report noted the "chaotic nature" of the scene inside and outside the committee room, and said security arrangements were "inadequate".

It also condemned the "serious failure of planning" ahead of the high-profile hearing with Rupert and James Murdoch and concluded that the potential for disruption was not recognised in advance.

Already in place are new arrangements to stop the public bringing bags into some committee meetings.

The report recommends that more risk assessments be carried out and "robustly scrutinised" before high-profile hearings and more security be provided in the committee room for those hearings.

Mr Speaker said that public access must be protected, while the safety of witnesses, MPs, staff and the public must be "the guiding principle" for those charged with maintaining security.

He told the House he will begin discussions with the Lord Speaker about creating a "head of security" role to "complement" existing roles.

Mr Speaker's statement came after last week's announcement that Sarjeant at Arms Jill Pay is to step down in January after four years in the role.

The responsibilities of the Serjeant include maintaining security and keeping order in the Commons chamber, public galleries, committee rooms and the Commons' areas of the parliamentary estate.



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