Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Dominic Raab’s bodyguard stood down after leaving gun on plane

Incident follow similar situation involving David Cameron’s protection officer 

Clea Skopeliti
Saturday 19 September 2020 04:29 EDT
Comments
The foreign secretary was travelling to the US on a visit
The foreign secretary was travelling to the US on a visit (PA)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Dominic Raab’s police protection officer has been suspended from duties after leaving his gun on a plane at Heathrow.

The officer had been accompanying the foreign secretary on a trip to the US.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: "We are aware of the incident on a flight into the UK on Friday, 18 September and we are taking this matter extremely seriously.

"The officer involved has since been removed from operational duties whilst an internal investigation into the circumstances is taking place."

The weapon was reportedly found by a cleaner.

It follows a similar incident in February of this year, when David Cameron’s bodyguard was removed from operational duties after leaving his gun in a toilet on a transatlantic plane.

The gun, believed to be a 9mm Glock 17 pistol, was handed into flight attendants by a passenger.

As a former prime minister, Mr Cameron is entitled to continued security by the Metropolitan Police.

The foreign secretary travelled to Washington to discuss the issues of Brexit and Northern Ireland with  senior US politicians, including Mike Pompeo, the US Secretary of State. 

Mr Raab said he had had "very positive discussions" with Republicans and Democrats after senior US figures warned Britain must uphold its commitment to Northern Ireland as part of Brexit. 

Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic Speaker of the US House of Representatives, said that while she "welcomed his assurances", breaking its international agreements will have consequences for future trade deals with the US. 

"If the UK violates its international agreements and Brexit undermines the Good Friday accord, there will be absolutely no chance of a US-UK trade agreement passing the Congress," Ms Pelosi warned.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in