Intifada
19th May 2004, 11:54
Commons suspended
The House of Commons has been suspended during Prime Minister's question time after what appeared to be purple powder was thrown at Tony Blair.
Mr Blair was speaking during his weekly half-hour appearance in the Commons when a projectile filled with purple powder hit him on his back.
Commons Speaker Michael Martin interrupted the proceedings, saying: "This House is now suspended."
Fathers 4 Justice claimed responsibility for the incident.
The incident comes just weeks after a £600,000 temporary security screen was installed in the Commons.
It appears the projectile may have been thrown from an area of the gallery reserved for MPs' guests and notable visitors.
Reaction
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott and Chancellor Gordon Brown, who were sitting either side of Mr Blair, both looked up at the public gallery as the dust descended at 12.18 BST.
MPs were seen wafting something away from themselves as the House was suspended.
Labour MP Kevin Brennan said a stain was "clearly visible" on the back of Mr Blair's jacket as the dust hit him.
Tory ex-minister Michael Portillo said he thought "one dose" of the dust had been thrown "before the prime minister reacted".
"The prime minister only appeared to look round to his side at the second dose," he said.
"I thought it was likely to stain his coat or something, but as far as I could see, it was actually falling behind him."
Commons leader Peter Hain said: "This was a serious incident. I have asked for an immediate report on the circumstances and what additional security provisions may be necessary."
Prime Minister's questions is not expected to be reconvened, and it is not yet clear whether the remaining Commons business will take place.
from the bbc
The House of Commons has been suspended during Prime Minister's question time after what appeared to be purple powder was thrown at Tony Blair.
Mr Blair was speaking during his weekly half-hour appearance in the Commons when a projectile filled with purple powder hit him on his back.
Commons Speaker Michael Martin interrupted the proceedings, saying: "This House is now suspended."
Fathers 4 Justice claimed responsibility for the incident.
The incident comes just weeks after a £600,000 temporary security screen was installed in the Commons.
It appears the projectile may have been thrown from an area of the gallery reserved for MPs' guests and notable visitors.
Reaction
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott and Chancellor Gordon Brown, who were sitting either side of Mr Blair, both looked up at the public gallery as the dust descended at 12.18 BST.
MPs were seen wafting something away from themselves as the House was suspended.
Labour MP Kevin Brennan said a stain was "clearly visible" on the back of Mr Blair's jacket as the dust hit him.
Tory ex-minister Michael Portillo said he thought "one dose" of the dust had been thrown "before the prime minister reacted".
"The prime minister only appeared to look round to his side at the second dose," he said.
"I thought it was likely to stain his coat or something, but as far as I could see, it was actually falling behind him."
Commons leader Peter Hain said: "This was a serious incident. I have asked for an immediate report on the circumstances and what additional security provisions may be necessary."
Prime Minister's questions is not expected to be reconvened, and it is not yet clear whether the remaining Commons business will take place.
from the bbc