Tech chaos in Parliament as safety move system goes down and entry blocked
Parliament has been thrown into chaos after its security pass system suffered technical issues.
Access was limited to the estate on Wednesday morning as security guards were forced to do manual checks on people’s passes. It is understood there is an issue with the Parliamentary estate’s access control system. The cause of the IT problem has not been confirmed.
Journalists, politicians and political staff rely on digital passes and systems to enter on and off the estate through various entrances. Some entrances and exits cannot be used due to problems with the control system.
During the recess period, from July 30 to September 2, Parliament has been undergoing investigations in relation to a major Restoration and Renewal project. The scheme was established to undertake a major refurbishment programme which is needed to protect and preserve the heritage of the Palace of Westminster and ensure it can continue as the home of UK Parliament.
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PA)
Members of Parliament have been away from the estate during the recess period, where they are able to undertake work in their constituencies, as well as take some time off before Parliament sits for the Autumn and the party conference season kicks off.
Some preliminary work on the Parliamentary estate over the recess period included staircases being closed off as investigations into restoration was undertaken, as well as some wiring work in certain areas.
Keir Starmer is away from Westminster for two days of meetings in Berlin and Paris. The Prime Minister is in Berlin for talks with Chancellor Olaf Scholz as he hopes to “turn a corner on Brexit“, with plans for a new treaty with Germany aiming to boost business and increase joint action on illegal migration. Ahead of the talks with Mr Scholz, he met with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
In Paris later on the trip, the Prime Minister’s breakfast meeting is expected to include representatives from companies including Thales and Sanofi, and Sir Keir will then meet Paralympians preparing for their competitions before meeting the French President at the Elysee Palace.
