MPA publishes recommendations to improve UK response to terrorism

15/07
22 February 2007

The Metropolitan Police Authority will discuss ‘Counter-Terrorism: The London Debate’ in public at the monthly full Authority meeting this Thursday, 22 February, at 10am.

The Authority’s year long programme of community engagement sought the views of over 1,000 people who live and work in London on how best to tackle the terrorist threat. Specific events to engage with women, Asian men, faith communities and young people, amongst others, together with focus groups held with students in London universities, helped to inform the recommendations for change.

Toby Harris, chair of the programme panel and member with special responsibility for counter-terrorism, said:

“Londoners tell us that police counter-terrorist tactics will only command public confidence if they are – and are seen to be – appropriate, proportionate and fair. It is on these grounds that they so strongly object to the use of Section 44 Terrorism Act 2000 stop and search powers, which they consider inappropriate and unfair. Use of this power is doing untold damage to certain communities’ confidence in the police, and its effectiveness in countering terrorism is in serious doubt. The report recommends that the Met justify its use of this power, or stop using it.

“Communications in a counter-terrorist context are vitally important and, with the benefit of learning from previous operations, must be improved. People need more accurate information, and more quickly, if they are to put their trust in police and other agencies’ counter-terrorist work. This trust is mission-critical to the success of the country’s counter-terrorist effort.

“The MPA proposes to advise Government that the law on sub judice and the legal system, as they stand, do not allow the timely and effective sharing of vital information with the public about UK counter-terrorist activity. The report also recommends that guidance should be given to the public, including businesses, about how they should adapt their behaviour when threat levels change.”

Lord Harris concluded:

“Our report also includes advice for the Independent Police Complaints Commission, local government, the private sector and communities themselves. We hope it will prove to be a significant contribution, on behalf of the people of London, to the counter-terrorist cause.”

Notes to editors

1. Toby Harris will be available for interview from 09:15 this Thursday, 22 February, at the MPA offices, 10 Dean Farrar Street, London, SW1H 0NY.

2. More information about ‘Counter-Terrorism: The London Debate’, the MPA's programme of community engagement to counter-terrorism, can be found at: www.mpa.gov.uk/issues/counterterrorism

3. Confidential anti-terrorist hotline: 0800 789 321

4. Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111

Further media information

For further information, please contact the MPA press office

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