'Fortress Commons' fears

Plans to protect Parliament with electric fences, road blocks and a barrage on the Thames may be overruled by MPs worried about creating a "fortress Commons".

A leaked copy of a top-secret review of Westminster security shows MI5 and the Metropolitan Police want tough new measures in the wake of a series of high-profile security breaches.

Among the changes recommended by the security services are electric fencing around the perimeter; road closures around Parliament Square with rising bollards to protect against truck bombs; a boom barrage extending a third of the way across the Thames to guard against attack by boats and CCTV cameras in all corners and corridors of the Commons.

Other changes include clearing the peers' car park in front of the Lords and a permanent bulletproof screen across the Commons public gallery. A new security co-ordinator for Parliament is also proposed, taking over from the Serjeant-at-Arms and Black Rod, who have traditionally led the guards of "men in tights".

But although some within the Government are keen that tradition gives way to modern security measures, Tony Blair has made clear that he does not want to "go over the top". MPs of all parties worry that Parliament will become less accessible to the public and believe a "Fortress Commons" would be a terrorist propaganda victory.

Labour MP Alan Simpson complained that CCTV would hamper MPs' free discussion within the privacy of Commons corridors. "This has nothing to do with big terrorism and everything to do with Big Brother," he said.

The proposal for a floating boom on the Thames, with electrified fences, is seen by senior MPs as most likely to be dropped. But plans for tighter security passes and rising road bollards are likely to go ahead.