Labour peer whose pass let in Heathrow rooftop protesters is a RAIL lobbyist

Senior sources confirmed last night that the parliamentary official arrested on suspicion of helping the "Plane Stupid" protesters to beat Westminster security is Chris Peck, who worked for Lord Berkeley, chairman of the Rail Freight Group (RFG).

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As recently as last Tuesday, six days after the demonstration, Lord Berkeley used a Lords debate to attack the third runway plans, saying: "There is not much point in building more facilities such as runways if the planes do not have any space in the air to fly to them."

In a further twist, it has been revealed the handcuffs used by the protesters to chain themselves to the Commons' roof were bought from a sex shop.

Police sources also say the group took advantage of new facilities that make it easier for tourists visiting Parliament to beat security. Mr Peck worked for Parliament's all-party Cycling Group, whose secretary is Lord Berkeley.

The 26-year-old was based in the Commons office of Labour MP Emily Thornberry, chairman of the group. Police searched Miss Thornberry's office after the demonstration but found nothing.

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Lord Berkeley said last night: "I have spoken to Chris. It is a matter for the police."

It is not the first time Lord Berkeley's use of parliamentary passes has been called into question. Last year, he was named as one of a number of peers to have handed lobbyists and pressure groups – many of whom paid them thousands of pounds a year – exclusive access to Parliament.

He gave a pass to Neil Stevens, development and communications manager of the RFG, whose clients include Maersk, the container shipping line.

It was reported last year that Lord Berkeley received £37,000 plus expenses, to act as chairman for the group. He has denied there was a conflict of interest.

Yesterday, The Mail on Sunday also learned the five demonstrators – Richard George, Tamsin Omond, Graham Thompson, Olivia Chessell and Leo Murray – came in separately via the St Stephen's public entrance at Westminster.

Having passed through security, they met a Commons passholder who used his privileged access to bring their equipment into the premises without being checked.

He then took them to a lift that leads directly on to the roof. Speaking outside the London home where he lives with his parents, Mr Peck said yesterday: "I have no direct comment to make on the 'Plane Stupid' action."