Big Ben barrier plan criticized
LONDON, England -- Plans to erect a steel barrier around Parliament and Big Ben in London to protect against a terrorist attack have been criticized by an opposition politician.
Leading Liberal Democrat Paul Tyler warned on Monday the proposal to replace concrete blocks in Westminster would "mark a defeat for democracy."
His comments were prompted by a report saying an MI5 dossier would recommend replacing the blocks because of fears they could become "lethal projectiles" in the event of an attack.
Intelligence officials are also concerned that the Big Ben clock tower, situated next to a main road, could topple into the Commons chamber if it was targeted in a bombing, the BBC said.
But Tyler told the UK Press Association: "Like all insurance policies, parliamentary security must balance risk with reality.
"Because it is just possible for a terrorist attack to topple Big Ben, you do not have to demolish it.
"Clearing traffic and the public from Parliament Square and putting a steel cage around the Palace of Westminster would mark a defeat for democracy," Tyler said.
"In the end this will have to be a decision that balances the dual need to protect public access and improve security."
The review of security measures at Westminster was prompted by a flour bomb attack on Prime Minister Tony Blair inside the Commons in May. The attack was orchestrated by a disaffected group campaigning for more rights for fathers.
Meanwhile, The Times newspaper reported Monday that the security services will create a new network of bases in northwest England, the West Midlands and other regions where some Islamist groups are based.
One official told The Times: "The scale of the terrorist threat is such that MI5 and the police need to be able to work together even more closely, which means the security service must be dispersed in a different way."
London has been on guard against a potential terrorist attack since the bombing of four commuter trains in Madrid killed 190 people on March 11.
Britain's most senior police officer, Sir John Stevens, has said officers are investigating a "definitive link" between the Madrid bombers and al Qaeda supporters based in Britain.
He also said an attack on Britain was "inevitable" following the Madrid bombings.
