0
FOREIGNERS have been banned from Big Ben over fears of an al-Qaeda "spectacular", it emerged last night. Police fear terrorists could pose as tourists in a bid to blow up the London landmark. Plans to vet all foreign visitors hoping to tour the world-famous 315ft tower proved too complex and costly.
So House of Commons security have barred ANYONE not born in the UK - while British citizens must first apply in writing to their MP. Michael McCann, the Keeper of the Great Clock, confirmed the policy change. He said: "We used to get a lot of foreign tourists, but you have to be a British citizen now. It got too complicated with the security checks.
"We don't do public tours, but you can write to your MP with a reason for wanting to see it and they can arrange a tour for you."
UK passport-holders will face security checks to keep out home-grown terrorists like 7/7 ringleader Mohammad Sidique Khan. A Commons spokesman said: "The House does not comment in detail on security matters."
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage...urist-ban.html
Bookmarks