Police have arrested two men in connection with a mobile phone hidden in the House of Commons that was reportedly planted there to play sex noises during prime minister\u2019s questions.<\/p>\n
The phone was found near the frontbench during a routine sweep of the chamber. It is believed to have been intended to interrupt the keynote weekly showdown between Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch in September.<\/p>\n
The police believe the phone was deliberately placed to cause disruption. A Metropolitan police spokesperson said: \u201cAt 10.25 on Wednesday 3 September a mobile phone was found during a routine search of the House of Commons chamber by Met officers.<\/p>\n
\u201cEnquiries led officers to believe that the phone was purposely placed in a location with the aim of causing disruption to business in the house.<\/p>\n
\u201cA man in his 30s was arrested on Friday 5 September on suspicion of attempting to intentionally cause a public nuisance.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnother man in his 60s was arrested on Tuesday 30 September on suspicion of the same offence. Both have been bailed to return at a later date.\u201d<\/p>\n
Heightened security measures were introduced in the Commons after the phone was found. Audio and guided tours were cancelled and there was reduced access to the Commons chamber.<\/p>\n
The House of Lords took the same decision to reduce access to the Lords Chamber \u201cas a precautionary measure\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cEnquiries remain ongoing and we continue to keep the speaker and clerk of the house up to date with our investigation,\u201d the spokesperson said.<\/p>\n
The incident is being treated seriously as it represents a major breach of parliamentary security.<\/p>\n