Terrorism
This section deals with emergencies which arise from terrorism. The Home Office [External website] holds primary responsibility for counter-terrorism within the UK. The Security Service (MI5) website [External website] has detailed information on the current threats to national security and expert security advice for businesses, organisations and anyone with responsibility for the safety of others.
On this page:
The Level of Risk
The most significant terrorist threat to the UK and to UK interests overseas comes from Al Qaida and associated networks. The threat to the UK remains real and serious.
The UK Government continues to maintain a state of heightened readiness in response to this threat. It remains the Government's policy to issue warnings or advice if this ever became necessary to protect public safety in the event of a specific and credible terrorist threat.
The UK Government's work on resilience aims to ensure that we can respond to, and recover from, the consequences of any terrorist attack. In many cases, these consequences will be the same as for hazards identified below.
Examples
The table below shows some examples of the specific risks which are assessed as part of the national risk assessment framework. The framework applies locally, regionally, in the devolved administrations and at the UK level. Details of the framework and risk assessment methodology can be found in the risk section of this site.
Risk Evaluation
| Type of Risk | Risk Categories | Outcome Description for Planning Purposes |
|---|
| Threat |
Conventional attack on an airport. |
Up to 100 fatalities and the partial closure of a major airport (or total closure of a small airport). |
|---|
| Threat |
Conventional attack on main government buildings. |
Up to 400 fatalities and partial and temporary closure of the building. |
|---|
Reports and Legislation
- Government response to Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) annual report 2006-2007 The ISC examines the policy, expenditure and administration of the security and intelligence agencies.
Practitioner Advice
- Intelligence.gov.uk [External website] with information about the national intelligence machinery in the United Kingdom. Details on how the various intelligence and security agencies work together are available alongside career opportunities and links to individual websites.
Security Service (MI5)
- Protecting Against Terrorism [PDF, 42 pages, 879KB] This booklet has been produced by the Security Service for those who are responsible for the safety of others in businesses and in other organisations. It supersedes Bombs - Protecting People and Property, and contains protective security advice and information.
Home Office Security website
On the Home Office Security website: [External website]
Businesses
Advice to businesses from the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) [External website]:
Schools
Other links
- secureyourfertiliser.gov.uk [External website] - website from the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) providing specialist advice regarding the security of explosives and pre-cursor chemicals (including fertilisers), pathogens and toxins, radiological sources and other toxic chemicals.
- 7th July Assistance [External website] for those affected by the London Bombings, 7 July 2005, with information, sources of emotional help and practical advice. There is a 24-hour phone line on 0845 054 7444 and an assistance centre for face-to-face talks.
- Disaster Action [External website] - offer support and information for the bereaved and survivors of major disasters and other events.
Speeches and Campaigns
CBRN
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