Question

To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker whether the House of Lords Commission considered the case for (1) the security fence outside the House of Lords, and (2) the pass-controlled door at Peers' Entrance, in combination or separately; and whether they plan to reassess the need for the pass-controlled door in the light of the operational challenges faced since its installation.

The newly installed fence along Abingdon Street, on the western side of the Palace of Westminster, and the works to Peers' Entrance together form part of a single security driven construction project. The House of Lords Commission received an update on the case for enhancing security in January 2023. In November 2023, the Commission considered the options and in May 2024 considered more detailed papers relating to each of the two phases of works to both Peers' Entrance and the Abingdon Street fence. The two phases taken in sequence provide a layered security model for Parliament, to improve the safety of all those who work on and visit the Parliamentary Estate. The priority now is to ensure the door functions correctly and that this element is operating fully.