Responding to a terrorist incident
Communicating with the public
Public safety is the absolute priority in the government's policy on communicating about acts of terrorism.
We will issue a warning to the public if that will best protect any community or venue facing a specific and credible threat.
Advice must be issued immediately if the public need to take specific action. In the event of an incident the message is is almost always: 'go in, stay in, tune in'. This advice is recognised and used by governments around the world.
On a daily basis, the national threat level is published on the Home Office website, the Security Service website and the UK Intelligence Community website.
The government public information leaflet, ‘Preparing for Emergencies, What You Need to Know’, provides common sense advice for a range of emergency situations, including guidance on countering terrorism.
This leaflet is supported by the Cabinet Office's Preparing for Emergencies website (new window).
Police and local authorities are welcome to use the information from that leaflet and website in their local public information initiatives.
Coordinating the government’s message
In the event of a major emergency, whether accidental or deliberate, the government will activate a central news co-ordination centre (NCC), which will ensure that messages and information given to the public, stakeholders and the media are clear, consistent, timely and accurate.
The NCC is on standby at all times, and can be activated within 90 minutes of being called. It works closely to support the Central Crisis Centre, and liaises with communication advisers within the centre, the Police Strategic Co-ordination Centre (SCC) at the scene, and the government liaison team (GLT).
The NCC is a flexible resource with a number of operational levels ranging from the full-service communications operation (providing full press office support), to simply coordinating and informing the media of the government’s key messages.
Working with the media
The press is an invaluable outlet for public information in a crisis.
In order to ensure that vital information is effectively communicated to the right people, the government has established a communication protocol with key media representatives.
Since 1996, a national ‘media emergency forum’ (MEF) - a large working group consisting of senior media editors, government representatives, local authority emergency planners, emergency services, police and private industry - has met regularly. Its members discuss communication issues arising from emergencies, and identify ways to improve the process in the future.
The forum is a well-tested method for improving trust and confidence between the media and authorities, and ensuring a growing awareness of each other’s responsibilities and concerns.
Separate regional MEFs also meet regularly for the same purpose.
Further information on MEFs and public information during a crisis is held on the Cabinet Office website and on the UK Resilience website.
