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Police have arrested two men related to a cellular device found hidden within the House of Commons, which was allegedly intended to emit inappropriate audio during the prime minister’s questions.

Discovery and Probe

The device was uncovered near the government benches in the course of a routine sweep of the chamber. It is believed it was planned to disrupt the keynote weekly showdown between political leaders in September.

An official spokesperson stated, “Around mid-morning on that specific date, a mobile phone was found during a standard inspection of the parliamentary hall.”

Detentions and Allegations

Investigations led officers to believe that the device was deliberately positioned in a location with the aim of creating interference to proceedings in the chamber.

• A man in his thirties was arrested on that Friday on suspicion of attempting to intentionally cause a disturbance.
• Another man in his 60s was arrested on Tuesday 30 September on allegations of the identical charge.
• Both have been bailed to appear at a later date.

Precautions and Impact

Heightened security measures were introduced in the Commons after the phone was discovered. Sound-guided visits and escorted visits were called off, and there was limited entry to the main hall.

The upper house followed suit to reduce access to the Lords Chamber “as a precautionary measure.”

The spokesperson noted, “Enquiries continue, and we continue to keep the speaker and clerk up to date with our investigation.”

Gravity of the Incident

The event is being regarded as grave as it constitutes a significant violation of legislative safety. The phone was found while hundreds guards based in Westminster were on industrial action over pay and conditions.

Consequently, the public were prohibited from the legislative grounds. The union explained that the work stoppage proceeded due to reduction of annual leave entitlements, stagnant pay, and an ethnicity pay gap.