Contest

Keith Weston

QPM MA

Senior Research Fellow

CONTEST T O PREVENT terrorism by tackling its

underlying causes - violent radicalisation

PURSUE terrorists and those that

TO REDUCE THE THREAT

sponsor them- intelligence & investigation

T H E

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.

R E D U C E

TO REDUCE VULNERABILITY

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 9th July and 21st 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 28th 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 21 July 2005

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’

• • • • • • •

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 BRIEFING

COMMUNITY

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