Alarmed over reports of rampant drug usage on Parliament grounds in the UK, the Speaker of House of Commons is considering calling police sniffer dogs after traces of cocaine and other drugs were detected in Westminster.

The suggestion is currently being reviewed by senior MPs after an investigation by British daily The Times found traces of cocaine at 11 out of 12 test sites.

Among the sites where traces of drugs were discovered include a bathroom close to the private offices of Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Home Secretary Priti Patel.

Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has vowed to launch an investigation.

“The accounts of drug misuse in Parliament given to the&nbsp;Sunday Times&nbsp;are deeply concerning – and I will be raising them as a priority with the Metropolitan Police next week. I expect to see full and effective enforcement of the law,” he said.

“It may be that we now need to broaden the range of sniffer dogs … to include those which can detect drugs,” The Times cited Conservative MP Charles Walker as saying.

Sniffer dogs have previously been deployed in the House of Commons to detect explosives.

The places tested with drug use in the sweep are only accessible to those with a parliamentary pass, or visitors allowed in who have to be accompanied around the building by the person they are meeting.

Recently, Boris Johnson discussed his new plans to crack down on drug use and distribution across the UK, set to ‘make an example' out of middle-class offenders.

(With inputs from agencies)

Alarmed over reports of rampant drug usage on Parliament grounds in the UK, the Speaker of House of Commons is considering calling police sniffer dogs after traces of cocaine and other drugs were detected in Westminster.

Alarmed over reports of rampant drug usage on Parliament grounds in the UK, the Speaker of House of Commons is considering calling police sniffer dogs after traces of cocaine and other drugs were detected in Westminster. The suggestion is currently being reviewed by senior MPs after an investigation by British daily The Times found traces of cocaine at 11 out of 12 test sites. Among the sites where traces of drugs were discovered include a bathroom close to the private offices of Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Home Secretary Priti Patel. Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has vowed to launch an investigation. “The accounts of drug misuse in Parliament given to the Sunday Times are deeply concerning – and I will be raising them as a priority with the Metropolitan Police next week. I expect to see full and effective enforcement of the law,” he said. “It may be that we now need to broaden the range of sniffer dogs … to include those which can detect drugs,” The Times cited Conservative MP Charles Walker as saying. Sniffer dogs have previously been deployed in the House of Commons to detect explosives. The places tested with drug use in the sweep are only accessible to those with a parliamentary pass, or visitors allowed in who have to be accompanied around the building by the person they are meeting. Recently, Boris Johnson discussed his new plans to crack down on drug use and distribution across the UK, set to ‘make an example' out of middle-class offenders. (With inputs from agencies)

Westminster high on drugs? Speaker wants sniffer dogs in Parliament amid reports of cocaine use

British MP Stella Creasy has been told that bringing babies inside the UK parliament is not allowed.

In response, Creasy said ''it has to be possible for politics and parenting to mix.''

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She shared an email from the Westminster Hall on Twitter, ''Apparently Parliament has written a rule which means I can’t take my well behaved, 3-month old, sleeping baby when I speak in chamber. (Still no rule on wearing masks btw).''

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Apparently Parliament has written a rule which means I can’t take my well behaved, 3-month old, sleeping baby when I speak in chamber. (Still no rule on wearing masks btw). 
 
Mothers in the mother of all parliament are not to be seen or heard it seems….<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/21stCenturyCalling?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#21stCenturyCalling</a> <a href="https://t.co/rKB7WbYQrL">pic.twitter.com/rKB7WbYQrL</a>
— stellacreasy (@stellacreasy) <a href="https://twitter.com/stellacreasy/status/1463275914217893901?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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This morning I have written to <a href="https://twitter.com/CommonsSpeaker?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CommonsSpeaker</a> seeking urgent clarification on whether or not babies are allowed in the Chamber after <a href="https://twitter.com/stellacreasy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@stellacreasy</a> was told they weren't and I was told they were. 🤦‍♀️ 
See my letter below. <a href="https://t.co/sA4RmKmRd7">pic.twitter.com/sA4RmKmRd7</a>
— Alex Davies-Jones MP (@AlexDaviesJones) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexDaviesJones/status/1463463096257855490?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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A committee of the members of parliament has been formed to review the policy by Speaker Lindsay Hoyle.

Highlighting that it is extremely important that working parents participate in the House, he said ''Rules have to be seen in context and they change with the times.''

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/raab-downing-street-defend-johnson-after-shambolic-speech-431596" hreflang="en">Raab, Downing Street defend Johnson after 'shambolic' speech</a>

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab said ''Our profession is brought into the modern world... [so] parents can juggle the jobs they do with the family time they need.''

Britain saw its first and only temporary 'locum' appointed to cover opposition lawmaker Stella Creasy in 2019.

In 2018, former Liberal Democrat MP Jo Swinson became the first woman to bring her baby to the House of Commons.

(With inputs from agencies)

British MP Stella Creasy has been told that bringing babies inside the UK parliament is not allowed. In response, Creasy said ''it has to be possible for politics and parenting to mix.

British MP Stella Creasy has been told that bringing babies inside the UK parliament is not allowed. In response, Creasy said ''it has to be possible for politics and parenting to mix.'' She shared an email from the Westminster Hall on Twitter, ''Apparently Parliament has written a rule which means I can’t take my well behaved, 3-month old, sleeping baby when I speak in chamber. (Still no rule on wearing masks btw).'' Apparently Parliament has written a rule which means I can’t take my well behaved, 3-month old, sleeping baby when I speak in chamber. (Still no rule on wearing masks btw). Mothers in the mother of all parliament are not to be seen or heard it seems….#21stCenturyCalling pic.twitter.com/rKB7WbYQrL — stellacreasy (@stellacreasy) November 23, 2021 × This morning I have written to @CommonsSpeaker seeking urgent clarification on whether or not babies are allowed in the Chamber after @stellacreasy was told they weren't and I was told they were. 🤦‍♀️ See my letter below. pic.twitter.com/sA4RmKmRd7 — Alex Davies-Jones MP (@AlexDaviesJones) November 24, 2021 × A committee of the members of parliament has been formed to review the policy by Speaker Lindsay Hoyle. Highlighting that it is extremely important that working parents participate in the House, he said ''Rules have to be seen in context and they change with the times.'' Also read | Raab, Downing Street defend Johnson after 'shambolic' speech Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab said ''Our profession is brought into the modern world... [so] parents can juggle the jobs they do with the family time they need.'' Britain saw its first and only temporary 'locum' appointed to cover opposition lawmaker Stella Creasy in 2019. In 2018, former Liberal Democrat MP Jo Swinson became the first woman to bring her baby to the House of Commons. (With inputs from agencies)

MP Stella Creasy reprimanded for bringing her baby inside UK's parliament

Just months after a ban on "Monoply board-style" homes, Westminster city council has granted Chinese billionaire Cheung Chung-kiu permission to construct an eight-storey, 62,000 square feet private palace.&nbsp;

This private palace would overlook Hyde Park in central London and is expected to be worth up to £500 million when completed.

Chung-kiu's plan is to demolish and rebuild 2-8A Rutland Gate, in Knightsbridge, in order to build his new mansion.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-rover-preparing-to-take-first-mars-rock-samples-399659">NASA rover preparing to take first Mars rock samples</a>

Despite its earlier order, the council was unable to stop the project from going ahead. As this used to be a single-family dwelling, the planning regulations didn't prohibit its replacement.&nbsp;

London's Westminster council announced plans to ban the construction of supersize properties for overseas billionaires as part of efforts to free up more space for affordable housing in 2018. However, redevelopments of existing houses are not subject to the ban, which came into force earlier this year.

The council also confirmed that Cheung would not be required to contribute to affordable housing in the borough, as is usually the case for large-scale private development projects.

Westminster council's spokesperson explained that this year the council introduced a policy that forbids projects larger than 200 sq metres from being constructed. However, the redevelopment of existing single-dwelling homes is not covered by this policy.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-reporter-amin-hafeez-interviews-a-buffalo-on-eid-ul-zuha-and-even-gets-a-response-399668">Pakistan reporter Amin Hafeez interviews a buffalo on Eid-ul-Zuha and even gets a response</a>

Westminster has built over 725 affordable homes since 2017 as part of its commitment to providing the right type of housing for people.

Cheung's agent on his behalf described the building as "heavily dilapidated" in his proposed building application and expressed his desire to undertake appropriate repair, restoration, and alteration work to restore the building to a useful family home in London.

Prior to the sale, the property had been a 45-bedroom residence owned by Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul-Aziz, who died in 2011.&nbsp;

<div>The house is located just south of Kensington Gardens, with 68 of its 116 windows overlooking the park. Alberto Pinto, a French designer, designed the interiors.
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Prior to this development, the property had been granted planning permission to be converted to 13 flats.
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Just months after a ban on "Monoply board-style" homes, Westminster city council has granted Chinese billionaire Cheung Chung-kiu permission to construct an eight-storey, 62,000 square feet private palace.

Just months after a ban on "Monoply board-style" homes, Westminster city council has granted Chinese billionaire Cheung Chung-kiu permission to construct an eight-storey, 62,000 square feet private palace. This private palace would overlook Hyde Park in central London and is expected to be worth up to £500 million when completed. Chung-kiu's plan is to demolish and rebuild 2-8A Rutland Gate, in Knightsbridge, in order to build his new mansion. Also read | NASA rover preparing to take first Mars rock samples Despite its earlier order, the council was unable to stop the project from going ahead. As this used to be a single-family dwelling, the planning regulations didn't prohibit its replacement. London's Westminster council announced plans to ban the construction of supersize properties for overseas billionaires as part of efforts to free up more space for affordable housing in 2018. However, redevelopments of existing houses are not subject to the ban, which came into force earlier this year. The council also confirmed that Cheung would not be required to contribute to affordable housing in the borough, as is usually the case for large-scale private development projects. Westminster council's spokesperson explained that this year the council introduced a policy that forbids projects larger than 200 sq metres from being constructed. However, the redevelopment of existing single-dwelling homes is not covered by this policy. Also read | Pakistan reporter Amin Hafeez interviews a buffalo on Eid-ul-Zuha and even gets a response Westminster has built over 725 affordable homes since 2017 as part of its commitment to providing the right type of housing for people. Cheung's agent on his behalf described the building as "heavily dilapidated" in his proposed building application and expressed his desire to undertake appropriate repair, restoration, and alteration work to restore the building to a useful family home in London. Prior to the sale, the property had been a 45-bedroom residence owned by Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul-Aziz, who died in 2011. The house is located just south of Kensington Gardens, with 68 of its 116 windows overlooking the park. Alberto Pinto, a French designer, designed the interiors. Prior to this development, the property had been granted planning permission to be converted to 13 flats.

Chinese tycoon receives approval for massive central London palace

The leader of the Britain's House of Commons, Jacob Rees-Mogg, adopted a laid-back posture on the benches as lawmakers debated an opposition motion to take control of parliamentary business in order to legally rule out a no-deal Brexit.

UK: Leader snoozes during Brexit debate

There are all eyes on the Palace of Westminister. Only 59 days left for the Brexit. Opposition MPs will try to take control of the proceedings. There is a massive protest outside the house as well. Watch this video to know more.

UK PM Boris Johnson addresses during the Brexit showdown at British Parliament

There are all eyes on the Palace of Westminister. Only 59 days left for the Brexit. Opposition MPs will try to take control of the proceedings. Reports claimed that conservatives lose the majority. There is a massive protest outside the house as well. Watch this video to know more.

Report: Conservatives lose majority in UK Parliament during Brexit showdown

There are all eyes on the Palace of Westminister. Only 59 days left for the Brexit. Opposition MPs will try to take control of the proceedings. There is massive protest outside the house as well. Watch this video to know more.

Your Story: Brexit showdown at British Parliament, 59 days to Brexit

A man has been arrested near the UK parliament after being suspected of preparing terror acts, Britain&#39;s metropolitan&nbsp;police said.

The police have locked down&nbsp;Westminster street. Metropolitan police said the man was arrested for possession of weapons near the house of Parliament in central London. Police said the incident is being investigated as &quot;terrorism&quot;.

&quot;Detectives are investigating the incident,&quot; metropolitan police said.

Police said the man was in his late twenties and was detained on a major street between the parliament and the residence of prime minister Theresa May, on suspicion of committing or instigating acts of terrorism and possession of an offensive weapon.

London&#39;s police force said they knew of no immediate further threat as a result of the arrest, and said counter-terrorism officers were continuing their investigation.

&nbsp;

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A man is led away by police in Westminster after an arrest was made on Whitehall in central London. (Reuters)
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Meanwhile, the Scottish parliament said that 3 suspicious packages were sent to political offices&nbsp;between April 25 and 26.

The packages were sent to an elected official, a political party headquarters, and a local council building. Police were investigating and further advice has been issued to elected representatives across Scotland, the assembly said.

An AFP photographer saw firearms officers surrounding the man, who was dressed in dark clothing, and pinning him to the ground at a pedestrian island.

The bearded man, with close-cropped hair, was seen being detained closed to a telephone booth used by countless tourists posing for photographs with the Houses of Parliament in the background.

David Wisniowski, who was working on a building site right next to the incident, told AFP he could see &quot;three knives on the floor, one big one and two small&quot;.

Gabrielle Hennessy, 20, a US tourist, described seeing police rush at a man.

&quot;We were walking along Parliament Square and we saw police rush at him. And then he was on the ground surrounded by police. They stood him up and that&#39;s when I saw the knife on the ground,&quot; she told AFP.

Police taped off the area in question.

An officer in forensic overalls could be seen photographing and picking up the knives, and looking inside a bag on the ground.

The incident happened close to Prime Minister Theresa May&#39;s Downing Street office.&nbsp;

May was outside London on a general election campaign visit at the time, a spokeswoman said.&nbsp;

&quot;This is an ongoing police operation and we are monitoring it,&quot; she said.&nbsp;

&quot;The prime minister has been informed by officials and she will be updated, as usual for incidents like this.&quot;

(WION with agency inputs)

Britain's metropolitan police said a man suspected of carrying terror acts has been arrested

A man has been arrested near the UK parliament after being suspected of preparing terror acts, Britain's metropolitan police said. The police have locked down Westminster street. Metropolitan police said the man was arrested for possession of weapons near the house of Parliament in central London. Police said the incident is being investigated as "terrorism". "Detectives are investigating the incident," metropolitan police said. Police said the man was in his late twenties and was detained on a major street between the parliament and the residence of prime minister Theresa May, on suspicion of committing or instigating acts of terrorism and possession of an offensive weapon. London's police force said they knew of no immediate further threat as a result of the arrest, and said counter-terrorism officers were continuing their investigation. A man is led away by police in Westminster after an arrest was made on Whitehall in central London. (Reuters) × Meanwhile, the Scottish parliament said that 3 suspicious packages were sent to political offices between April 25 and 26. The packages were sent to an elected official, a political party headquarters, and a local council building. Police were investigating and further advice has been issued to elected representatives across Scotland, the assembly said. An AFP photographer saw firearms officers surrounding the man, who was dressed in dark clothing, and pinning him to the ground at a pedestrian island. The bearded man, with close-cropped hair, was seen being detained closed to a telephone booth used by countless tourists posing for photographs with the Houses of Parliament in the background. David Wisniowski, who was working on a building site right next to the incident, told AFP he could see "three knives on the floor, one big one and two small". Gabrielle Hennessy, 20, a US tourist, described seeing police rush at a man. "We were walking along Parliament Square and we saw police rush at him. And then he was on the ground surrounded by police. They stood him up and that's when I saw the knife on the ground," she told AFP. Police taped off the area in question. An officer in forensic overalls could be seen photographing and picking up the knives, and looking inside a bag on the ground. The incident happened close to Prime Minister Theresa May's Downing Street office. May was outside London on a general election campaign visit at the time, a spokeswoman said. "This is an ongoing police operation and we are monitoring it," she said. "The prime minister has been informed by officials and she will be updated, as usual for incidents like this." (WION with agency inputs)

Man arrested near UK parliament for preparing terror attack

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