Keith Weston QPM MA Senior Research Fellow
CONTEST PREVENT terrorism by tackling its underlying causes - violent radicalisation PURSUE terrorists and those that sponsor them- intelligence & investigation PROTECT the public and UK interests. Provide harder targets at home and abroad through better protective security. PREPARE for the consequences. Improve our resilience to cope with attacks and other major disruptive challenges. TO REDUCE THE THREAT TO REDUCE VULNERABILITY T O R E D U C E T H E R I S K
The Aim of CONTEST To reduce the risk from International Terrorism so that our people can go about their business freely and with confidence
INTELLIGENCE Recent events in the UK: Operation Crevice (Ammonium Nitrate) Operation Rhyme (Hostile Reconnaissance) The Second Shoe Bomber conviction (Sajid Badat) The Ricin Plot conviction (Murder of DC Oake) It has been acknowledged that there was no specific intelligence relating to the July attacks
CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS 7 JULY 8.50am- Three almost simultaneous explosions on the London Underground Aldgate/Liverpool Street Edgware Road Russell Square/Kings Cross 9.47am- Explosion on No 30 bus Tavistock Place/Russell Square 56 Fatalities including 4 bombers
CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS 21 JULY Between 12.40pm and 1.10pm 4 men attempted to detonate improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at: Warren Street, Shepherd s Bush and The Oval Underground Stations No.26 bus on Hackney Road No fatalities
PREPARE for the consequences. Improve our resilience to cope with attacks Implemented existing and well exercised contingency plans with key partners: British Transport Police London Fire Brigade, London Ambulance Service, Hospitals Established a purpose built temporary mortuary Established a contact and help point for victims families
PURSUE terrorists and those that sponsor them Immediately after dealing with the consequences the Pursue strand takes precedence 7/7 Attacks- 4 suspected suicide bombers predominantly second generation British nationals from/linked to West Yorkshire 21/7 Attacks- 5 suspects all in custody (one device was found intact) relatively recent immigrants of predominantly East African origin
PROTECT the public and UK interests. Closely allied to PURSUE is the PROTECT strand Approximately 17000 uniformed officers deployed between 9 th July and 21 st August 2005 Some 585 Police Support Units (PSUs) were deployed PSU comprises 1 Inspector, 3 Sergeants & 21 Constables (post 21/7 increased to 5 Sergeants & 35 Constables) On 28 th July alone there were approximately 6000 officers deployed to train, underground and bus stations
PREVENT terrorism by tackling its underlying causes. Closely allied to the PROTECT strand is PREVENT strand Key Message: To highlight that the terrorist acts were carried out by a very small criminal element within the community Range of activities to ensure that the Muslim community does not become demonised or held to blame Police met community leaders and supported work undertaken by: Prime Minister, Home Office, Mayor of London
OUTCOME 7 July 2005 Coordinated Emergency Service response Major Incident Plans Preservation of Evidence at Crime Scenes Identification of Terrorist Initiated Bombs Use of CCTV Identification of Terrorists vehicles & Bomb Factory 21 July 2005 Coordinated Emergency Service response Major Incident Plans Preservation of Evidence at Crime Scenes Identification of Terrorist Initiated Bombs (Failed) Use of CCTV Identification of Terrorists addresses Arrest & charge of Terrorists & associates
LESSONS Terrorists are Home Grown Terrorists are a minority The wider Muslim Community (supports/does not oppose) Government and Police action Still need more information on Violent Radicalisation Process
LESSONS! Counter Terrorist and Consequence Management exercises to test preparedness! Harnessing the energies of business, commerce security organisations and academia! Coordinated endeavour in support of the National Counter Terrorist Strategy! Enhanced support to the Community
Counter Terrorism Measurement OWNERSHIP RESPONSE INTELLIGENCE THE PLAN COMMUNITY BRIEFING PARTNERSHIP
Intention To create a hostile environment for terrorists Leading to a safer environment for Community By the early identification of Threats Vulnerabilities Risks Which will Enhance security Ensure effective response and Assist rapid restoration to normality
Outlook AQ planners aspire to mount further attacks AQ threat is more diffuse and harder to track Facilitation networks " operational Intention is to deliver High Impact mass casualty attacks VBIED preferred attack option CBRN is an aspiration Threat will not decrease and may worsen in the short term
Questions