My MEP Robert Sturdy has called for the sacking of the security company at the European Parliament in Brussels following an armed robbery; its third major security breach in two years.

That makes sense to me. If this had happened in Westminster, I am sure that would happen.

Parliament.com reports that two men, one of them armed, held up the post office in parliament last Friday and reportedly got away with at least €8000. Parliament has admitted that there are “weak points” in their security set-up.

As an outsider, I have gone through rigorous check-ups when visiting the European Parliament. Their officials say it is “clear” that whoever was responsible “knew the parliament pretty well,” raising the possibility that the culprits had an accomplice working in the assembly.

However, the security company has to take responsibility and Robert has called for them to be sacked.

He said, “There is clearly a serious problem here and we are calling for a change.”

Describing the break in as “unbelievable” Robert said, “Given the security that exists, I do not understand how someone with a gun can get in parliament.

“Security has been too lax for some time and I have to say that what is being done now is too little too late.”

He also called for “tighter” controls on visitor groups in parliament saying that many of the 300,000 visitors to the assembly create “havoc.”

However, he said any restrictions should not extend to journalists or lobbyists who have “legitimate” business in parliament.

He said, “That would be cutting the throat of parliament.”

*Update. Oh dear, the European Parliament’s security services are once again under fire following accusations of “over zealous” security for a hearing on the Mafia. You can read this updated story here.