Full Breakdown
Investigation Launched After Phone Plot to Play Sex Noises in House of Commons
9/5/2025, 9:35:54 PM
Discovery of the Device
An investigation has been initiated following the discovery of a mobile phone hidden in the House of Commons, intended to play sexually explicit audio during Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) on September 3, 2025. The device was found by security personnel during a routine sweep of the chamber before the session commenced. It was reportedly placed near the front bench, with the aim of disrupting the proceedings as Sir Keir Starmer faced Kemi Badenoch. The phone was set to activate upon receiving a call, but it was discovered before it could play the intended sounds.
Security Concerns
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the phone was purposely placed to cause disruption, marking it as a significant breach of parliamentary security. A spokesperson stated, "Enquiries have led officers to believe that the phone was purposely placed in a location with the aim of causing disruption to business in the House." The incident raises concerns about the safety and security protocols within the Commons, especially given that the chamber is accessible to the public most mornings.
Official Responses
A UK Parliament spokesperson emphasized the importance of security, stating, "The safety and security of everyone who works or visits here remains our top priority, and we have robust and proactive security measures in place." They noted that while they cannot disclose specific security processes, the discovery of the phone demonstrates the effectiveness of existing measures. The Speaker and Clerk of the House have been updated on the situation as the investigation continues.
Historical Context of Security Breaches
This incident is not the first of its kind in recent years. In 2019, climate change activists from Extinction Rebellion disrupted a Commons debate by gluing themselves to the public gallery. Additionally, a similar prank occurred during a live broadcast of Match of the Day in January 2023, where a hidden phone played pornographic noises, leading to public apologies from the BBC. Such events highlight ongoing vulnerabilities in parliamentary security, particularly with the high volume of visitors to the estate, which recorded over 560,000 visitors last year.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics have raised concerns about the adequacy of security measures in light of this incident. The ease with which the phone was planted suggests potential gaps in oversight, prompting calls for a review of security protocols to prevent future disruptions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Enquiries have led officers to believe that the phone was purposely placed in a location with the aim of causing disruption to business in the House.” — Metropolitan Police Spokesperson
- “'The safety and security of everyone who works or visits here remains our top priority, and we have robust and proactive security measures in place.” — UK Parliament Spokesperson
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine how the phone was smuggled into the Commons and who may be responsible for the prank.
