mandelson,who?

[not me]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8277362.stm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson was initially refused entry to the Labour Party conference in Brighton because of a problem with his security pass.

A security guard called a police sergeant to verify his credentials, BBC political correspondent Laura Kuenssberg said.

Lord Mandelson had to wait 10 minutes at the conference's security entrance before he was allowed to enter.

The business secretary is due to give a speech to delegates on Monday.

'Up for grabs'

Being refused entry to Labour's conference could be seen as an inauspicious moment for one of the party's most powerful and prominent personalities.

Lord Mandelson has been widely regarded as a key figure in Gordon Brown's cabinet since the prime minister brought him back to government after serving for nearly four years as a European commissioner in 2008.

In June he was given increased powers as business secretary as well as the additional titles of First Secretary of State and Lord President of the Council.

Earlier, Lord Mandelson had insisted to the Sunday Mirror that the next general election was "up for grabs".

He told the paper: "This election is not in the bag - neither for us, nor the Tories.

"Every day we face in one way or another attempts to write Labour off or pretend that some of us are preparing for defeat.

"That's not my belief."


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[steven100]

lol mandelson

[POSTMAN]

:mfo

[andy2007]

Speaking as someone who's previously done this type of Security work. I'm very disapointed in the Security Guard, for allowing Mandleson, or indeed ANYONE, through without a valid pass. I was trained to allow NO-ONE entry without a Pass. Even if I could verify their identity.

To give you an idea of how strict it should be: One of my former Collegues, once refused to allow John McCririck, entry to The Grand National. Because he didn't have his Pass. He couldn't get in, until someone fetched his pass for him. Needless to say, he was a little agitated (to say the least) But he had no choice in the matter. The same thing should have happened to Mandy. He should have been refused entry UNTIL HE WAS ABLE TO PRODUCE A VALID PASS! The Security Guard should be facing a disciplinary for this.

[brothermagrew]

Dare say the security guard will get a stage warning

[andy2007]

Actually, it's a very serious situation. Having to prevent the wrong people getting access, because they look like someone else, and basically bluffing. Or people gaining entry, because they have in the past. But aren't allowed in this time.

I used the example from The Grand National, because I'm sure that most people know what that situation was like for my former collegue. Particularly after his time on Big Brother. But they're employed to ensure the safety of everyone on the premises, and to ensure that no-one gets in, who isn't allowed. It doesn't matter whether you know the person, or they're famous, or influential. It's a simple case of: No valid credentials, no entry. Calling the Police to verify someone's identity isn't sufficient. Security Passes (as the name suggests) are issued for a reson. It's often an unpleasant job. I know, I've had a couple of run-ins with people who thought they were too famous to need passes, myself. Although none as bad as McCririck (I was close enough to hear the exchanges, and it was pretty bad!) thank God!