19-05-04

Barrett condemns Commons attack

John Barrett, Scottish Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, has condemned the group behind today's attack in the House of Commons.

Two men representing the group "Fathers 4 Justice" have been arrested after throwing a purple powder into the Commons chamber during Prime Ministers Questions.  The Speaker was forced to suspend proceedings whilst the incident was investigated.

Commenting, John Barrett said:

"Attacks like this cannot be justified.  Of course everyone has a right to express their opinion but stunts like this serve no purpose.  Although they have managed to get some coverage from the stunt, the Fathers 4 Justice group has shot themselves in the foot with their actions.

"Today's events confirm the case for a full investigation into parliamentary security.  Thankfully, the powder thrown in the House of Commons today was harmless.  But what if it had been hazardous?  We need to ensure such incidents are never allowed to happen again."

ENDS