Plastic thumb, a sword and an egg among items seized from Parliament

Police officers at the Houses of Parliament have confiscated magic wands, a broomstick, 15 footballs and even a plastic thumb from visitors. Among items seized over the last six months are 12 darts, a sword, an egg, five imitation police helmets (child’s size), a horse crop, a rock – and three megaphones.

Eleven potential mischief-makers tried to take in cans of shaving foam in July, the month media tycoon Rupert Murdoch was hit as he gave evidence in front of a parliamentary committee. The Metropolitan Police figures were released under the Freedom of Information Act.



They reveal that 185 items ranging from tents and light bulbs to water pistols and sparklers were taken from people attempting to gain entry to the buildings. Two keen gardeners were prevented from entering with a pair of secateurs and six daredevils tried to take in bungee cords.

One visitor was forced to surrender ten hipflasks and others have tried to get in with piercing kits, a grenade lighter, a guitar and a pair of plastic handcuffs. Parliamentary security already prohibits bladed items of any kind and personal defence equipment which may be lawful in other countries, such as flick knives and sprays. Cameras are also banned, except in Westminster Hall.