An inquiry has been initiated following the discovery of a hidden mobile phone in the Commons, reportedly part of a prank intended to play “sex noises” during Prime Minister’s Questions. The device was planted near the front bench, set to trigger when Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch were in the chamber on Wednesday. Instead of playing explicit audio, the phone was detected during a routine sweep before the session, prompting serious concern due to the breach of parliamentary security protocols. The planting of the mobile phone was not captured on clear footage.
Sources indicate that while the incident appears to be a prank, the potential consequences could have been severe. The method of how the phone was placed in the chamber remains unknown. The chamber, which receives a significant number of tourists daily, is part of the Palace of Westminster, with a record number of 560,317 visitors recorded last year.
This occurrence echoes a previous incident where a pornographic audio was played during a live Match of the Day broadcast in 2023. Gary Lineker, hosting the pre-match segment, was interrupted by explicit sounds, later revealed to be from a planted mobile phone for which a YouTube prankster took credit. Despite the BBC apologizing for any offense caused, Lineker characterized the incident as a harmless prank, noting that the phone was discreetly affixed to the set.
The incident recalls a notable breach of parliamentary security four years ago when semi-nude climate change activists disrupted a Brexit debate by gluing themselves to the public gallery. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges with maintaining security within the parliamentary premises.
A spokesperson from the UK Parliament emphasized the priority placed on safety and security within the public building, highlighting the rigorous security measures in place to safeguard all occupants and visitors. The removal of the mobile phone from the Commons Chamber on September 3 underscores the effectiveness of the security protocols implemented to ensure the integrity of the parliamentary estate.