An inquiry has been initiated following the discovery of a hidden mobile device in the House of Commons with the intention of playing inappropriate sounds during Prime Minister’s Questions. The phone was strategically placed near the front bench to disrupt the interaction between Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch. However, before the session commenced, a routine check revealed the device, which was set to play explicit audio. This incident is being treated as a serious breach of parliamentary security, even though there is no clear footage of the phone being planted.
According to sources, the situation seems to have been a prank, but the potential consequences could have been severe. The mystery of how the phone ended up there remains unsolved. Visitors are allowed access to the chamber on most mornings, with the Palace of Westminster attracting a record number of visitors last year.
This incident bears resemblance to a past occurrence when explicit audio disrupted a live broadcast of Match of the Day in 2023. The prankster behind the incident claimed responsibility, and Gary Lineker, the presenter at the time, shared that the phone was discreetly placed on the set. The BBC apologized to any offended viewers, while Lineker downplayed the incident as a harmless prank.
This event echoes a significant security breach from four years ago when climate change protestors disrupted a Brexit debate by exposing themselves and gluing their hands to the public gallery. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining security within the parliamentary premises.
The UK Parliament spokesperson emphasized the continuous focus on safety and security within the building, highlighting the effectiveness of existing security measures. The removal of the mobile phone on September 3 demonstrates the vigilance in ensuring a secure environment for all individuals present in the House of Commons.