Security checks at Parliament to be extended to main staircase

Members of parliament this evening received an email from the clerk of the House of Representatives informing them that security checks will be extended to the main staircase.

In the first application of the new procedure – prompted by the revelation that a minister’s driver carried a weapon – frisking took place in front of the lift leading to the corridor towards the main Chamber.

The security check has now been extended to the main staircase, “following some issues that came up this evening”.

The clerk of the House attributed long queues as one of the main reasons resulting in the addition of a new checkpoint.

However, a number of MPs claimed the decision was taken after the security personnel escorting the Prime Minister refused to part ways from the PM after they were asked to go through the lift while Muscat proceeded through the main staircase.

Reportedly, complaints were raised inside the clerk’s office where it was decided that the security checks would be extended to the main staircase as well.

Following a decision taken last Saturday, anyone entering Parliament in Valletta will be frisked and have their bags checked by AFM members or police officers.

The new security measures were put in place to ensure that no weapons were carried inside the Palace where Parliament convenes.

PN whip David Agius was among those who expressed his concerns over the presence of armed people inside parliament.