An undercover reporter has smuggled fake bomb-making equipment into the British parliament a day after fox hunting protesters burst into the debating chamber.
In the second major embarrassment in 24 hours for security officials, the Sunnewspaper reported today that its reporter had worked for three weeks in the House of Commons as a waiter.
With security heightened after the invasion by pro-hunting protesters, Mr Anthony France was still able yesterday to smuggle in components for a bomb which included batteries, wire and a timer.
Photographed serving tea to John Prescott, deputy to British Prime Minister Tony Blair, the reporter said: "Had I been a terrorist, I could have left the 'device' in a toilet or in the restaurant where I worked. It could easily have blown up the chamber."
The tabloid's exposé of the security shambles prompted Mr Peter Hain, the government leader in the chamber, to say: "This confirms all my worst fears and why I have so determinedly pushed for much tighter security in the Commons."