Lord Speaker’s Statement

Lord McFall of Alcluith Excerpts

Monday 11th September 2023 Lords Chamber

[The Lord Speaker (Lord McFall of Alcluith)]

My Lords, before we begin the next item of business, I wish to make a brief statement on security. Noble Lords will have seen media reports yesterday about a security issue relating to the Chinese state and access to Parliament. I understand that the Metropolitan Police have now confirmed that two men were arrested in March on suspicion of offences relating to espionage, and that they are on police bail until early October.

As you know, we do not typically discuss the details of security issues on the Floor of the House, for reasons which are well understood. However, I wish to reassure noble Lords that Parliament follows the same vetting procedures as the Government, the issues raised in media stories are being addressed, and that the House administration is working closely and effectively with other relevant authorities. The extremely small number of people who needed to know about this issue were immediately briefed on a strictly confidential basis, given the national security sensitivity of this matter. Security arrangements are kept under review at all times, in order to deal with evolving threats.

Ahead of the statement repeat by the Lord Privy Seal, I remind all noble Lords of the importance of not discussing security issues on the Floor of the House. This is particularly important in this ongoing and sensitive case, where commenting on the identities of those alleged to be involved, engaging in speculation about the case, or discussing other details runs a serious risk of prejudicing any future prosecutions. If any noble Lords have security concerns, they are of course welcome to raise them outside of this Chamber with me or with the Parliamentary Security Department.