Interviews

IFSEC on counter-terror

by Mark Rowe

Britain remains a high profile target for terrorists. Birmingham was recently found to be the home of three British-born would-be bombers who believed the 7/7 bombings weren’t deadly enough.

After months of surveillance, West Midlands Police had gathered enough evidence to arrest these individuals on the grounds of engaging in preparation for a terrorist attack.
Surveillance and discrete monitoring was key to the arrest of these terror suspects. Watched closely by the police and the security services, the terror suspects were rumbled when bugs were placed in their two cars. The plot was described as another 9/11.
Unfortunately, terror plots aren’t always caught in time, as was the case when a gas production facility in the Algerian desert was recently attacked by a terrorist group linked to Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. Thirty-nine hostages from nine countries died, with six British nationals among them. This was the largest, most complex attack affecting UK citizens since the 7/7 bombings.
In order to ensure as much information as possible is gathered, it’s crucial that foreign security and intelligence agencies are working together around the world.
UK Foreign Secretary William Hague recently delivered an important speech on countering terrorism overseas. Hague portrayed a clear message, telling global counterparts that Britain will need close co-operation with the security agencies of countries that detain suspects without trial.
The UK Government will work at educating nations that don’t have the same values as Britain when it comes to Human Rights and proper systems of justice. North Africa, the Middle East and other parts of the world will all be supported by Britain as a llies in the fight against violent terrorism.
In his speech, Hague also emphasised that ministers spend much more time analysing decisions than the general public realises. Identifying the level of threat and acting accordingly is part of the UK Government’s counter-terrorism strategy (CONTEST), itself organised around four principal work streams: pursue, prevent, protect and prepare.
At IFSEC International 2013 – organised by UBM Live – the IFSEC Academy Conference Programme features an update on CONTEST. There’ll be a review of the current threat level and the nature of the threats faced.
A dedicated counter-terrorism zone at the show, in turn will reflect the overriding need for businesses in the private and public sectors – as well as society at large – to have effective counter -terrorism measures, to help thwart the ever-present dangers posed to the UK and beyond.

IFSEC International 2013 runs from 13-16 May at the NEC in Birmingham, part of UBM’s Protection and Management Week. Registration for IFSEC International is free and gives badge holders access to FIREX International (www.firex.co.uk), the Facilities Show (www.facilitiesshow.com) and Safety & Health Expo (www.safety-health-expo.co.uk).

For more information on IFSEC International, Protection and Management Week or to register for free entry to the 2013 event and its co-located shows, visit www.ifsec.co.uk.

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