Unarmed police still first defence at Parliament

WESTMINSTER’S first line of defence is still unarmed police, after the front gates were reopened yesterday for the first time since the terror attack last week.

Despite calls for increased security around the main vehicle entrance to Parliament after armed terrorist Adrian Ajeo stabbed a police officer, uniformed officers were stationed in front of the open gates throughout the day yesterday.

Armed officers were patrolling the New Palace Yard area behind the gates and two officers with guns stood inside the boundary, behind their unarmed colleagues.

But experts warned the lack of extra security at the front entrance could encourage terrorists to attempt further attacks on the palace as they “get more kudos” for targeting the location again.

It came as senior Parliamentary sources confirmed that extra CCTV will be installed in Westminster in the next few weeks as part of an existing plan to protect MPs, staff and the public from possible attacks. Public areas and walkways will be monitored. Extra armoured police were also stationed on the estate yesterday as part of a scheme introduced earlier than planned in response to the attack, which killed five.

A large ring of metal bollards was also installed outside Buckingham Palace; a measure which would prevent a car being driven along the pavement, as happened last week.

David Videcette, an author, security expert and former Scotland Yard counter terrorism officer said leaving the gates unguarded would be a “red rag to a bull”.

He told The Daily Telegraph: “Islamic terror attackers like to copy things others have already done.”

However a number of MPs, speaking anonymously, said it is right for the estate to operate on a “business as usual” basis.

Security is also being stepped up outside London, with changes to the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Windsor Castle. Barriers will be put in place around the royal residence in Berkshire to support existing road closures while the operation is under way, Thames Valley Police said.

The force said the changes were “proportionate and necessary” but said there was “no specific threat to Windsor”.