Labour peer attacked in ‘chemical and biological WARFARE’ as Parliament put on lockdown

A LABOUR peer was showered with an unknown white powder while opening a 'racist' letter at parliament sparking fears of a chemical attack.

Lord Ahmed said he got the powder all over his shirt and shoes after opening a letter addressed to him.

After raising the alarm he was told security was treating it as "chemical or biological warfare".

The House of Lords was put into lockdown and Lord Ahmed told to stay exactly where he was while security experts carried out a sweep of the building.

Speaking to Express.co.uk, Lord Ahmed said: "The letter was addressed to me and I opened it.

“There was some white powder in there and another envelope with some abuse in it.

“I got the powder all over my trousers and shirt and threw it in the bin, then it suddenly occurred to me that the powder could be anything.”

Lord Ahmed said he told security about the letter and they took the incident extremely seriously.

He said: “The Yeoman usher said they are treating it as biological or chemical warfare.

“That was very frightening, not only for me but for everyone around us.”

Lord Ahmed praised the response of the police and security services who were quickly on the scene and verified the powder was not lethal.

He added: “It’s very shocking and police have now taken away the envelope and powder for further analysis.”

A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said in a statement to Express.co.uk: “Police were called at approximately 12:30pm on Thursday to reports of a suspicious package that had been delivered to the Houses of Parliament.

“The contents of the package are being examined.

“No reports of any injuries or illnesses.”

The spokeswoman said she was unable to comment about the contents of the package.