A shocking breach of security occurred at the Houses of Parliament last month, revealing vulnerabilities despite a recent £4.5 million investment in perimeter fencing. An intruder successfully navigated the grounds, reaching the heart of the historic building before being apprehended – not by security personnel, but by a workman.
The trespasser reportedly bypassed armed police and 24/7 surveillance, scaling the roof of the Parliamentary Education Centre to gain access to the estate. This audacious entry went largely unnoticed by authorities, sparking accusations of a deliberate cover-up as neither Scotland Yard nor Parliament officials initially disclosed the incident.
Once inside, the intruder moved freely through the complex, eventually reaching the Cholmondeley Room – a prestigious reception venue within the House of Lords. He wandered unchallenged until a vigilant worker spotted him and raised the alarm, bringing the unsettling episode to an end.
Devon Dorrall, 23, of Tilehurst, was swiftly arrested and charged with trespass on a protected site. He appeared in court and was remanded in custody, with a further hearing scheduled for December 30th. Authorities confirmed the incident and stated that security arrangements were immediately reviewed and enhanced.
This breach isn’t an isolated event. Recent months have seen a disturbing pattern of security lapses at the Palace of Westminster. In November, two men were arrested in connection with a hidden mobile phone intended to disrupt Prime Minister’s Questions.
Earlier in the year, a man scaled Big Ben’s Elizabeth Tower, unfurling a Palestinian flag and remaining there for over sixteen hours before finally being taken into custody. These incidents collectively raise serious questions about the effectiveness of security measures protecting one of the UK’s most iconic landmarks.
While officials maintain they followed standard procedures by informing relevant committees, the ease with which an intruder penetrated the parliamentary estate underscores a critical need for a thorough reassessment of security protocols and their implementation.
