Call to shake up security for palace after breach

Published on Monday 25 May 2009 18:59

ROYAL security needs to be shaken up in the light of allegations that a chauffeur allowed undercover reporters into Buckingham Palace in exchange for money, a former head of the Royal Protection Squad said.

Former chief supt Dai Davies said: "We need to look at the whole way we do this.

"This has exposed yet again weaknesses in security and the fact they have failed to learn from history."

A palace spokeswoman confirmed chauffeur Brian Sirjusingh has been suspended pending an investigation into the allegations printed in a Sunday newspaper.

It was reported the pair posed as wealthy Middle Eastern businessmen and were allowed in without security checks.

Mr Davies said: "This happened in an area that is the workshop of the palace where a lot of staff live. It beggars belief they can take people in there without having to show photographic ID and vouch for them.

"I'm incredulous about the whole thing. It needs to be shaken up."

It was reported Mr Sirjusingh was paid 1,000 by the reporters in exchange for access.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "We are liaising with palace officials about their staff security arrangements."