Security services knew of glaring weakness in Parliament security after ‘war game’ simulating attack on Westminster ended ‘with most MPs dead’
Exercise revealed four gunmen could drive through Carriage Gates and massacre ministers inside the Commons
SECURITY services were aware of gaps in Parliament’s security after a simulated attack ended with most MPs being killed, it has been claimed.
A source quoted by the Sunday Times claimed a "table-top" exercise revealed four terrorists with automatic weapons could shoot their way into the House of Commons.
After speeding through Parliament’s open Carriage Gates – the same ones Khalid Masood charged through before stabbing PC Keith Palmer to death – the gunmen were able to enter the chamber during a vote.
The chilling result of the fictional scenario was that "most of the MPs died", the source told the paper.
The war game, which took place within the last year, throws a disturbing light on security lapses during last week's terror attack at the Palace of Westminster.
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Questions are now being asked about why there were no armed cops posted to the vulnerable Carriage Gates when Islamist fanatic Masood ran through them brandishing two knives on Wednesday.
And when the attacker was eventually shot dead, it was not by officers assigned to guard Parliament – but by plainclothes protection officers assigned to Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon.
The cops happened to be waiting nearby in the minister’s car and reacted decisively to prevent Masood from entering the Commons.
One MP asked this weekend why the unarmed officers posted to the gates had received no warning as Masood headed towards them after mowing down scores of people on Westminster Bridge.
The gates – which were open so MPs could drive in to attend a vote – also remained unprotected for several minutes after the attack.
Footage has emerged of a motorcycle delivery courier riding through them while officers battled to save Palmer's life.
A security review is now expected to consider either stationing firearms officers permanently at the Carriage Gates or closing them entirely.
Officials are also set to examine whether to increase the number of electronically locked doors amid claims that, if Masood had not been killed, he could have reached the PM in the Commons via three unlocked doors.
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