Westminster security is top priority after ‘stark’ report
AN OFFICIAL review into Parliament’s security after the Westminster terror attack has recommended a string of major changes, it can be revealed.
Sir Jon Murphy, a former chief constable of Merseyside Police, was asked to look at perimeter security in the wake of the March attack.
He has more than 40 years experience in policing and retired last year, taking up a post with Liverpool John Moores University’s Centre for Advanced Policing Studies.
He briefed the Speaker’s Security Committee about his key recommendations behind closed doors on July 3, with no hard copies allowed to leave the room.
Figures familiar with the meeting said it lasted more than an hour and included a series of “stark” warnings. Three sources have outlined the key findings to this newspaper.
River barrier
Sir Jon recommended installing a physical barrier in the river – known as a boom – next to Parliament that could stop boats from approaching.
The River Thames runs adjacent to one side of the Palace of Westminster, with tourist boats and commercial vehicles often passing by.
MPs and peers use the terraces next to the river for socialising, with tables and chairs laid out permanently and often in use during nice weather.
Security figures within Parliament were supportive of installing a barrier, pointing to similar measures at other landmarks along the river.
Low fencing
One weakness identified by Sir Jon is that some parts of the Parliamentary estate have fencing little taller than waist height. It has raised concerns that terrorists could easily vault the barriers, given tourists and members of the public can approach without drawing suspicion.
Attackers would still have to get past doorkeepers and guards to make it into the Palace of Westminster itself, but would be inside the official perimeter.
Low fencing is deemed such a risk that Sir Jon is understood to have said changes should be considered to improve security.
Passing traffic
Cars, buses and lorries are still allowed to move freely along one side of Parliament – something different from the security set-up at the White House.
Sir Jon is understood to have acknowledged calls for the pedestrianisation of Parliament Square as he discussed the impact of the traffic on security.
Sadiq Khan, the London mayor, included a plan for part pedestrianisation in the manifesto he was elected on last year, while others have proposed similar schemes in the past.
Such a move is being backed by some inside Parliament, but planning permission means it could take years before it happens.
Carriage gates
The threat of attack from Carriage Gates was laid bare when the Westminster attacker Khalid Masood managed to rush through and kill an officer before being shot dead.
Sir Jon is understood to have acknowledged the entrance – which is opposite Parliament Square and was open at the time because MPs were voting – remains of concern.
Armed guards have been stationed at the checkpoint since the March attack but there are calls from some for a police dog to be based there too.
Sir Jon discussed the importance of having a “visual and very obvious deterrent” at key checkpoints, according to one source at the briefing.