Blair guards 'to be allowed in Chamber'

Tony Blair's bodyguards could be allowed into the Chamber of the Commons for the first time under plans to improve Westminster security being discussed today.

Parliament's medieval rules mean the floor of the Commons is the only place where the armed guards are prevented from accompanying the Prime Minister.

They are instructed to wait outside when he attends the weekly question time. Although Downing Street has been concerned about this gap in securityfor some time, they have been unable to persuade the Commons authorities to bend the strict regulation that means that once Parliament is sitting only MPs are allowed into the Chamber.

But after last week's scare when protesters pelted Mr Blair with a flour bomb, security advisers believe it is now essential for the guards to be stationed close to the Prime Minister, possibly allowing them to stand discretely behind the Speaker's chair. This would allow them to offer immediate protection to Mr Blair in the event of a similar attack.

It is also likely that ciprofloxacin, a treatment for anthrax, will be close by.

The proposal is on the agenda at a meeting this afternoon to discuss the antiquated security arrangements. The joint security committee, chaired by the Labour MP Bob Ainsworth, is also expected to review the issuing of passes, the security at the entrances to Parliament and the need for greater protection in the public galleries.

Any recommendations from the private meeting will be put forward to the House of Commons commission, a committee chaired by the Speaker Michael Martin, which advises on security and other matters.

Other measures being considered are a ban on traffic alongside the Palace of Westminster and axing the routine Wednesday slot for weekly Prime Minister's Questions, holding it on random days instead.