Big Ben protest sparks security fears

The security of the British parliament was in question today after two anti-war demonstrators were able to climb the Big Ben clock tower and stage a five-hour protest.

Greenpeace brothers Harry and Simon Westaway cleared a wall and security fence before scaling the famous landmark on the first anniversary of the Iraq war.

They were arrested when they ended their protest but a spokesman for the campaign group said it had been “easy” for them to breach security at the seat of government.

The stunt sparked immediate concerns from opposition MPs, coming at a time when Britain, and especially London, is on heightened alert against possible terrorist attacks.

It is believed Home Secretary David Blunkett will receive a police report into the incident early next week.

But the Home Office refused to say whether there would be an inquiry into how the House of Commons was breached, saying only that it was a Metropolitan Police operational matter.

Tory defence spokesman Keith Simpson said it was a “wake up call” for security, adding: “This is a dangerous embarrassment for Parliament and the police which we expect to be fully investigated.

“We can’t turn parliament into a complete fortress, or the terrorists will have won, but we have to put in place a credible security system to deter terrorists, and this means that MPs will have to play their full part.”

Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Mark Oaten said it raised “obvious” security questions adding: “More alarmingly, what would have happened if these people were terrorists rather than peace protesters?”

Only this week, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens warned Britain is an inevitable target for international terrorists.

London Mayor Ken Livingstone also said it would be “miraculous” if the capital escaped attack.

The two climbers, named by Greenpeace, began their protest around 6.15am as part of a day of demonstrations in Britain and around the world marking a year on from the start of the war to topple Saddam Hussein.

Experienced climbers, they reached the clock face of the 315-foot tower where they planned to unveil a large banner saying “Time for the truth”, in reference to claims British Prime Minister Tony Blair misled Parliament over the war.

But strong winds meant they could only display smaller cards and they ended the protest for their own safety just before 1pm.

They were arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage on reaching the ground and were taken to a central London police station, a Met spokeswoman said.

Greenpeace executive director Stephen Tindale said Harry, 26, and Simon, 24, are from Lewes, Sussex.

He added: “It was very windy up there and they felt they have made their point.”

The men had worn protective helmets and harnesses and Mr Tindale said they had used specialist climbing equipment to prevent damage to the historic structure.

He added: “It’s time we got the truth about why thousands of people had to die in a war that the world did not want.

“Iraq posed no threat to Britain or the US, but still Tony Blair drove a horse and cart through the international security system – all because he puts his relationship with (president) George Bush above the rule of law and his own electorate.”

Mr Tindale said Greenpeace told the police at the time who the men were and accepted that officers may have reacted “very differently” if they had not known.

There are already plans to use the Easter Recess to build a bullet and blast-proof glass shield in front of the historic Strangers’ Gallery in the chamber of the Commons.

That measure was one of the recommendations of an ongoing security review at Westminster.

The Commons is also considering a recommendation from two of its select committees to build a new £5m (€7.5m)-plus security and reception area at parliament.

Concrete blocks were placed around the famous building in May last year to prevent potential vehicle suicide attacks.