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19/05/2004
Commons security fiasco sees Blair hit by powder missile
In an unprecedented breach of security at the Palaces of Westminster this morning, Tony Blair was hit on the shoulder by an object containing purple power as he took to the dispatch box during Prime Minister's Questions this morning.
Mr Blair was hit on the back by one of three missiles aimed at him from the public gallery. The House was immediately suspended by Speaker Michael Martin, as security staff bundled two men out of the gallery.
The lobby group, Fathers for Justice, has admitted that they were behind the incident. The purple powder is thought to be harmless, and chosen to match the group's campaign colours.
A spokesperson for the organisation said that they carried out the stunt to raise the profile of their campaign to enhance fathers' rights and the rights of children to see parents and grandparents. According to the group's website www.fathers-4-justice.org, "publicity is the very soul of justice".
A £600,000 security screen had recently been installed across a large section of the public gallery in order to prevent objects being thrown in the Commons. However, It appears that the pair had gained admittance to seating reserved for guests of MPs – which is not covered by the screen.
Police have confirmed that two people have been arrested. An investigation into the security breach is under way.
(gmcg)
Mr Blair was hit on the back by one of three missiles aimed at him from the public gallery. The House was immediately suspended by Speaker Michael Martin, as security staff bundled two men out of the gallery.
The lobby group, Fathers for Justice, has admitted that they were behind the incident. The purple powder is thought to be harmless, and chosen to match the group's campaign colours.
A spokesperson for the organisation said that they carried out the stunt to raise the profile of their campaign to enhance fathers' rights and the rights of children to see parents and grandparents. According to the group's website www.fathers-4-justice.org, "publicity is the very soul of justice".
A £600,000 security screen had recently been installed across a large section of the public gallery in order to prevent objects being thrown in the Commons. However, It appears that the pair had gained admittance to seating reserved for guests of MPs – which is not covered by the screen.
Police have confirmed that two people have been arrested. An investigation into the security breach is under way.
(gmcg)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
