UK "Not Ready" For Huge Terror Attack

July 24, 2002

Britain's emergency services lack the capabilities to cope with a massive terrorist attack on the scale of September 11, MPs warn.

The Commons Defence Committee strongly criticises the Government's response to the attacks on the World Trade Centre and Pentagon, complaining of "inadequate central co-ordination and direction".

In a scathing report, the MPs highlight a series of "real deficiencies" in the ability of the civil authorities to deal with a major terrorist incident.

Fire and ambulance crews lacked the equipment and training to cope with a chemical, biological or nuclear attack, there was no role for the regular Armed Forces, while crucial radio communications equipment contained "fundamental vulnerabilities".

The report sharply criticised ministers for failing to mount a "proper and comprehensive" review of disaster management procedures following September 11 and the "slow progress" in producing a promised civil contingencies bill.

It said a "strong central authority" was needed to lay down the law in Whitehall and co-ordinate the work of the various government departments involved in emergency planning.

The committee also urged ministers to consider establishing a police National Counter-Terrorism Service to take the lead in anti-terrorism operations within the UK.

It called for a review of security at nuclear power stations, sea ports, and on Royal Navy warships to ensure that they were properly prepared to counter the heightened terrorist threat.

Committee chairman, Labour MP Bruce George, said: "We do believe that there has been a lack of grip and direction on the part of central government.

"We are concerned that central government has not responded to the scale of the complexity of the challenge posed by international terrorism."

http://www.thisislondon.com/dynamic/news/story.html?in_review_id=
648871&in_review_text_id=619891