The secret tube station door you’re probably not important enough to use
There’s pretty much an entire city buried beneath London, with passages and tunnels reaching nearly every corner of the capital.
Abandoned stations, hidden tunnels and haunted platforms are a source of mystery and intrigue.
For the average commuter traversing the metropolis in sun, snow or storms, the London Underground is a godsend.
Some VIPs, however, get special treatment on the Tube.
An unmarked passage lets the country’s rulers sneak from Westminster Underground station all the way to parliament without ever stepping outside or crossing paths with the common folk outside.
Only people with a parliamentary pass – MPs, Lords, civil servants and staff at the Palace of Westminster – may use this special route.
Marked by neither sign nor armed guard, the gate to the underpass leading to Portcullis House was only installed in 2019.
It caused controversy at the time, coming just months after a homeless man, 43-year-old Gyula Remes, died in the sheltered spot often used by rough sleepers.
MPs reportedly complained of having to walk through the ‘stink’ of some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in society on their way to the corridors of power.
This led to accusations that lawmakers weren’t doing enough to tackle the growing problem of homelessness, MailOnline reported.
Greg Beales, from the homelessness campaign Shelter, said the crisis would be solved ‘not with barriers but by providing the support and assistance we know can help people to access a safe and stable home’.
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A recent video by London tour guide Bowl of Chalk showed how to locate the hidden passage.
You can find the four-foot barrier by turning left as you come out of the main ticket hall, instead of going up the stairs to Parliament Square.
On your first right, you’ll see the unmarked gate leading to Portcullis House and the Palace of Westminster.
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