18/05/2004
Royal security under scrutiny after intruder arrests
Royal security is under the spotlight again today after an intruder was arrested close to the Queen's apartments at Windsor Castle yesterday evening.
The man was arrested for allegedly impersonating a police officer within the grounds of Windsor Castle at around 4pm. A woman who was accompanying him was also arrested.
There were no royals in the castle at the time of the incident, but the Queen is reported to have been staying, up until yesterday lunchtime, in an area close to where the man was apprehended.
Tory frontbencher David Davis has called on the Home Secretary David Blunkett to take full responsibility for the latest security scare. Mr Davis also pressed for the creation of a Homeland Security Minister – mirroring the post occupied by Tom Ridge in US – who could focus exclusively on royal protection issues.
The Shadow Home Secretary said: "It beggars belief that within a year, we have a third major breach of Palace security which comes almost immediately after the appointment of Brigadier Jeffrey Cook as head of Royal security and after an extensive and expensive security review."
He added: "The Home Secretary must take responsibility for this and must now recognise that the case for a separate Minister for Homeland Security is unarguable.
"If David Blunkett cannot protect our Head of State, how can he be expected to provide protection for the whole of the British public against terrorism threats."
Royal security had to be reassessed recently after two serious breaches of security illustrated how vulnerable the British monarchy could potentially be to terror attack.
Last June, comedian Aaron Barschak, dressed as Osama Bin Laden, managed to gatecrash Prince William's 21st birthday at the castle. Barschak was able to gain admittance to the bash and rub shoulders with senior royals, before being detected.
The second breach occurred in November when it was revealed that Mirror journalist Ryan Parry had gained employment in the palace – exposing not only lax security vetting procedures but also the Queen's dining habits, which include taking her breakfast porridge from a plastic Tupperware bowl.
In response to mounting concerns, it was announced earlier this month that Brigadier Jeffrey Cook would come in as the new head of royal security, and revamp security procedures and tighten up vetting checks.
(gmcg)
The man was arrested for allegedly impersonating a police officer within the grounds of Windsor Castle at around 4pm. A woman who was accompanying him was also arrested.
There were no royals in the castle at the time of the incident, but the Queen is reported to have been staying, up until yesterday lunchtime, in an area close to where the man was apprehended.
Tory frontbencher David Davis has called on the Home Secretary David Blunkett to take full responsibility for the latest security scare. Mr Davis also pressed for the creation of a Homeland Security Minister – mirroring the post occupied by Tom Ridge in US – who could focus exclusively on royal protection issues.
The Shadow Home Secretary said: "It beggars belief that within a year, we have a third major breach of Palace security which comes almost immediately after the appointment of Brigadier Jeffrey Cook as head of Royal security and after an extensive and expensive security review."
He added: "The Home Secretary must take responsibility for this and must now recognise that the case for a separate Minister for Homeland Security is unarguable.
"If David Blunkett cannot protect our Head of State, how can he be expected to provide protection for the whole of the British public against terrorism threats."
Royal security had to be reassessed recently after two serious breaches of security illustrated how vulnerable the British monarchy could potentially be to terror attack.
Last June, comedian Aaron Barschak, dressed as Osama Bin Laden, managed to gatecrash Prince William's 21st birthday at the castle. Barschak was able to gain admittance to the bash and rub shoulders with senior royals, before being detected.
The second breach occurred in November when it was revealed that Mirror journalist Ryan Parry had gained employment in the palace – exposing not only lax security vetting procedures but also the Queen's dining habits, which include taking her breakfast porridge from a plastic Tupperware bowl.
In response to mounting concerns, it was announced earlier this month that Brigadier Jeffrey Cook would come in as the new head of royal security, and revamp security procedures and tighten up vetting checks.
(gmcg)
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Brigadier named as new Royal Security chief
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Brigadier named as new Royal Security chief
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24 June 2003
Blunkett slams 'appalling' Royal security
In a speech about Royal security to the Commons today, Home Secretary David Blunkett attacked the "appalling failure of security" that allowed a man dressed as Osama bin Laden to gatecrash Prince William’s 21st birthday bash at Windsor Castle on Saturday.
Blunkett slams 'appalling' Royal security
In a speech about Royal security to the Commons today, Home Secretary David Blunkett attacked the "appalling failure of security" that allowed a man dressed as Osama bin Laden to gatecrash Prince William’s 21st birthday bash at Windsor Castle on Saturday.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy with outbreaks of rain, the rain persistent and, especially in the south, heavy at times. Later this afternoon, drier conditions with sunny spells developing spread across Fermanagh and Tyrone. Fresh southeasterly winds easing. Maximum temperature 15 °C.Tonight:Outbreaks of rain across northern and eastern counties soon clears to leave the evening dry with clear spells. Overnight a narrow band of occasionally heavy rain pushes northeast. Minimum temperature 5 °C.