Question

To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker, before the approval of the security barrier installed along the West Front, what assessment was made of the ability of armed police officers guarding entrances along the West Front to have an unobscured view of Abingdon Street.

The design of the Abingdon Street fence components was undertaken to carefully balance security requirements and heritage considerations, whilst maintaining necessary lines of sight for the security personnel working in this area, including at nearby entrances.

Officials from the House consulted the Metropolitan Police throughout the risk assessment, design and installation phases of the project. The fence has been installed with the support of the Metropolitan Police, including consultation with tactical advisers specialising in firearms, public order and Counter Terrorism.