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See other news storiesPrime Minister outlines new security measures
14 November 2007
Security will be tightened in railway stations and other crowded public places.
Speaking in Parliament recently, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said much had been done to keep people safe in crowded public spaces, but more work will be needed over the coming months.
In his statement he mentioned a recently concluded study by Lord West into the threat terrorism poses to crowded public places. He said the study 'identifies a need to step up physical protection against possible vehicle bomb attacks.'
Although train stations are safer now than they have been in years, they are nonetheless obvious targets, so special attention will be paid to making them safer.
Plans include stronger, blast-resistant buildings and bag screening devices in larger stations
Mr Brown said a full national security strategy will be published 'in the next few weeks', and a new counter-terrorism bill is also being drawn up.
Limiting the threat to public spaces
More work will also be done to help local communities protect themselves from acts of terrorism.
Actions to be taken include:
- increasing funding to local counter-terrorism security advisers, who work with businesses and local governments
- encouraging design innovation, so that architects and planners take security into account when building large new structures
- working harder to ensure the critical national infrastructure is kept safe
Read the speech in full
Read the Prime Minister's Speech on Number 10's website (new window)
Home Secretary: statement on security
Also, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith submitted a written ministerial statement to Parliament on security in crowded places. The statement explains the basic findings of Lord West's review.
Read the statement on Hansard's website. (new window)
