Enhanced security measures in Strangers’ Bar are welcome but overall culture must change

The House of Commons Commission has announced changes to security arrangements for Parliament’s Stranger’s Bar which is to reopen after February recess.

The bar was closed following an alleged spiking incident. New measures include:

• The provision of enhanced staff training and qualifications, including MPS Vulnerability Engagement Training and Home Office Spiking Awareness Training
• Covers for glassware to be available to customers on request
• Clear information to be displayed in the bar and public facilities on drink safety and the measures in place in the venue, including through links to schemes such as Active Bystander and Ask for Angela
• Increased presence of security and access operatives in the vicinity, to help manage access and ensure appropriate capacity is maintained, accompanied by clear signage on access arrangements
• Installation of Close Circuit TV (CCTV) in Strangers’ Bar. This will be managed as a standalone system, accessed only in the event of an incident.

Mike Clancy, General Secretary of Prospect which represents workers in Parliament, said:

“Parliament is first and foremost a place of work and people need to feel safe going about their business. These changes to the way Strangers’ Bar operates go some way to addressing concerns.

“In particular the introduction of CCTV is something Prospect has called for as an important security measure, and one which is present in virtually every other licensed premises in the country.

“It is telling however that these changes are necessary, and indicative that the overall culture at Westminster still has to change.”