Russian Diplomats Breach UK Parliament Security

In a significant security breach, Russian diplomats accessed restricted areas of the UK Parliament during a public tour just before Christmas, despite being banned since 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The diplomats, part of a small group linked to the Kremlin, deviated from a public tour to enter an off-limits section of the House of Lords before being discovered and escorted out by security. This incident, first reported by The Guardian, has alarmed ministers and prompted parliamentary authorities to remind MPs and peers not to invite Russian diplomats to Parliament. The Speakers of both the House of Commons and Lords issued formal warnings reiterating the ban on Russian officials, emphasizing the potential threat to sensitive information. Security concerns were heightened due to fears of cyberattacks and espionage, as the UK government warned of Russia's capacity to disrupt critical infrastructure. The breach is seen as an attempt by Russia to showcase its ability to infiltrate British institutions.