Commons security shield suggested

A bullet-proof screen could be under consideration

Britain's politicians could be protected from terror attacks with the installation of a bullet-proof shield in the Commons Strangers' Gallery.

Reports suggest a security review has recommended the glass partition to separate MPs from visitors.

Voters would still be able to see and hear politicians in the chamber.

The move would be in addition to existing precautions such as X-ray machines which may not be able to detect explosives in liquid form.

Fortifying

The House of Commons authorities declined to respond to a report in the Sunday Times on the issue.

"We never comment on security matters," a spokesman said.

A security review was underway even before disturbances in the Commons public gallery as Prime Minister Tony Blair delivered his speech during a debate on the Hutton report earlier this month.

Contractors have begun preliminary work on fortifying the chamber with further work due during the Easter recess which has been extended to allow work to be completed by mid-April.