THERE can be no doubt that the Houses of Parliament require a dedicated and specialist system of security.

The invasion of the Commons by pro-hunt protestors demonstrated the inadequacy of men in tail-coats and tights, armed with ceremonial swords, as the last line of defence in the cradle of democracy.

The undercover operation by The Sun merely confirmed that existing procedures are wholly inadequate.

There may still be a role for the Serjeant-At-Arms and his staff to play on ceremonial occasions, but they must no longer be considered as an effective counter-terrorism force.

Tradition counts for a lot in our parliamentary system of government, but it counts for nothing in a world in which suicide bombers and sophisticated terrorists operate.

The balance between security and access to the democratic process has to reflect modern times.

The need for a professional director of security at Westminster is self-evident. The appointment must be made without delay.