Westminster ‘spy’ arrest: How easy is it to gain access to parliament – and what checks are carried out?

Questions have been raised about parliament’s security processes following allegations a researcher with close ties to senior MPs spied for China.

The researcher in his 20s – who says he is “completely innocent” – is understood to have had links to security minister Tom Tugendhat, foreign affairs committee chairwoman Alicia Kearns and other senior Tory MPs.

The arrest has prompted some MPs to query security arrangements in Westminster and whether they are fit for purpose.

Here, Sky News takes you through the process of how people gain access to parliament.

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How do people get parliamentary passes?

Reports in the Times claim the arrested researcher was vetted in order to obtain a parliamentary pass but he did not have security clearance.

In order to obtain a pass, those wishing to work in parliament must go through Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks, which aim to ensure that people entitled to work in the UK can demonstrate the “honesty, integrity and values needed for government-related work”.

Through these passes, people are granted access to the parliamentary estate, including the House of Commons chamber, cafes and bars.

As of 30 November 2021, there were 13,582 parliamentary passes issued by the authorities.

Those who can apply range from MPs’ staff and political parties, members of the media, former MPs, contractors and cvil service staff.

What checks are carried out?

People who work for MPs are also required to undergo a Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) because of their access to significant public figures and potentially sensitive material.

The check involves the person having to verify their identity, undergo an interview with an investigating officer and complete criminal and security checks.

Parliament’s website says CTC clearance is required in order to gain a pass with “unescorted access” to the parliamentary network, to sensitive parliamentary data and to work at the Houses of Parliament.

After CTCs, higher levels of security are applied.

They are security check clearance, which is required if you have “substantial” access to secret or top secret assets.

Above that, Developed Vetting – the most comprehensive form of security vetting – is required if there is substantial access to top secret assets or if you will be working in the security and intelligence agencies.

Read more:
How worried should we be about Chinese ‘spying’ in parliament?
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What do we know about the arrested researcher?

The researcher was arrested in March alongside another person. Officers from the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command, which oversees espionage-related offences, are investigating.

Both men were held on suspicion of offences under section one of the Official Secrets Act 1911, which punishes offences that are said to be “prejudicial to the safety or interests of the state”.

They have been bailed until early October.

On Monday morning, the researcher issued a statement through his lawyers in which he said he was “completely innocent” as he hit out “extravagant reporting”.

Following concerns about parliament’s security, Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said the House followed the “same vetting procedures” as the government.

He also urged MPs not to name the accused Westminster researcher by using parliamentary privilege – which allows MPs to speak openly without fear of legal action.