Farage breaks Commons rules by filming on roof of Parliament

Nigel Farage has broken parliamentary rules by filming on the roof of the Palace of Westminster, The i Paper can reveal. The Reform leader marked his return to Westminster, after being re-elected in the Clacton by-election last month, with a 37-second social media clip on the roof just below Big Ben, which he said was “bonging” as he spoke. Parliamentary authorities do not allow unauthorised photography or filming anywhere on the parliamentary estate. Shorts MPs are normally allowed to film clips or take photos at fixed points around Westminster. But the roof is particularly sensitive due to safety and security reasons. The i Paper understands that no permission to film on the roof was sought by or granted to Reform or Farage. A House of Commons spokesperson said: “Unauthorised photography or filming is not permitted on the Parliamentary Estate. “Where it is seen or reported to be happening, the individual in question will be asked to stop and reminded of the rules. “Where breaches are observed or reported, the Serjeant at Arms will discuss with (or write to) the Member involved to clarify, remind of and reiterate the rules.” While Farage and his party are likely to receive a slap on the wrist for the breach, his fellow MP Lee Anderson was reprimanded by Parliament’s standards commissioner in 2023 for filming on the roof. Daniel Greenberg accepted that the breach was “inadvertent” but ordered Anderson to apologise and undertake to not repeat it. Nigel Farage was sworn back in as an MP in the House of Commons on Tuesday following his Clacton by-election win (Photo: House of Commons/PA Wire) Farage posted his video on X underneath the caption “Guess who’s back.” In it he said: “Well it’s the first day back in parliament after the by-election, Big Ben bonging. And have a look at where we are – I mean this whole building is extraordinary. “And yes, it needs a fortune spending on it to keep it up to speed, but it is a magnificent place. “I’m pleased to be back with an increased majority and more votes than we got in the general election, and what a day because it’s going to be Andy Burnham’s first speech to parliament as Prime Minister. “You never know, I might get my chance to ask him a question.” Farage thanked the voters of Clacton and added: “I will do my best.” Reform has been contacted for comment. EXPLORE MORE ON THE TOPICS IN THIS STORY