The MLA Go Inside the House of Commons

A BBC documentary has given an insight into the day-to-day work of MLA board member and House of Commons locksmith, Peter Wosahlo.

Peter, a board member of the UK’s leading locksmith association, the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA), has been featured on recent fly-on-the-wall documentary ‘Inside the Commons’. The four-part series had unparalleled access to Parliament, where longstanding MLA member Peter Wosahlo is a master locksmith.

Peter Wosahlo and 2012 Chubb Award (Sponsored by Mul-T-Lock) winner Paul Etheridge

Peter, who has been working at the House of Commons for four years after selling his previous business, looks after all the master key systems in the Parliament estate. The House of Commons stipulates that its locksmiths must be a member of the MLA, to ensure the highest standards of locksmithing and security are met.

The BBC filmed for over 300 hours at the House of Commons, including following Peter’s normal workday. Peter said: “I thoroughly enjoy working at the House of Commons. I would describe my job as normal locksmithing, but with a slight twist – on a day-to-day basis I look after numerous buildings as well as dealing with other issues such as locked out MPs. The types of locks I deal with here are typically antique and heritage locks, which makes for very interesting work.

Filming with the BBC was brilliant fun, and seeing myself on the TV even better! My whole family came round to watch. It’s something I will remember for years to come. – Peter Wosahlo

Dr Steffan George, Director of Development at the MLA, added: “We were delighted to see the work that Peter does being highlighted on ‘Inside the Commons’. Peter has been a member of the MLA for over 35 years and is an active member of the board – we really value his input on new policies, especially coming from such a secure working environment.”

In addition, following on from the MLA logo being found at the Coronation Festival in the grounds of Buckingham Palace in 2013, 2015 has seen it featured in the Houses of Parliament. Peter recently manned a stand at the in-house Facilities Trade Show in Parliament, just showing the high places the MLA logo can now be found.