The ugly new security fence slapped up outside the House of Lords has triggered fury from all corners. As Guido revealed, industry insiders say the planning process was “highly irregular.” Tory peer Michael Dobbs has blasted the towering metal eyesore as “dangerous,” warning it “cuts off sightlines” to potential attackers…
Naturally, Guido’s FOI Unit swung into action to discover just how much taxpayers were fleeced for this monstrosity. The House of Lords confirmed they do hold the figures – but are refusing to disclose them on so-called prevention of crime and national security grounds:
“However, we consider that information relating to the cost of the fence, including a breakdown as requested, is exempt under sections 31(1)(a) (prevention and detection of crime) and 24(1) (safeguarding national security) of the FOIA, as disclosure of this information would provide significant detail of security measures on the Parliamentary Estate.”
Guido’s not asking for the blueprints – just the bill. This comes after the farce of the Lords’ £9.6 million broken door. What exactly are they hiding?
Speaking to Sky News off the back of Rachel Reeves’ Air Passenger Duty hike, Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary said:
“Labour is dependent on those Red Wall seats, and yet every move she makes poisons economic growth and damages the UK’s recovery… it’s the Chancellor who stumbles from policy misstep to policy misstep… I think her policy decisions are incredibly stupid.”