Terrorism precautions inadequate - Heath

5.43.05pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 26th Oct 2005

Speaking at Prime Minister's Question in place of Rt Hon Charles Kennedy MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Leader of the House, David Heath MP challenged the Government over the failure to improve security on the national transportation system, and increase British Transport Police resources, since the London bombings.

Since July 7th the Police have called for more resources to be given to them. Met Deputy Assistant Commissioner Brian Paddick said:

"We need additional resources to provide more resilience around our ability to both capture intelligence about potential bombings in the future, but also to increase our resilience around our ability to investigate this sort of offence." (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/4321388.stm)

Meanwhile the Government's approach to tackling terrorism been criticised by the Prime Minister's own 'Delivery Unit':

"The strategy is immature, the forward planning is disjointed, and accountability for delivery is weak."

Full transcript below:

David Heath MP: "It is now over 3 months since the horrific attacks on the London Underground. Can he tell us what has been done in practical terms to make the British transport system more secure?"

Rt Hon Geoff Hoon MP: "My Rt Hon friend the Home Secretary and my Rt Hon friend the Secretary of State for Transport have been working together, to ensure that the already very high standards of protection available to people we have using public transport in this country have been properly reviewed and considered and steps taken to ensure as best we can there can be no repetition of this terrible disaster.

David Heath MP: "Well Mr Speaker what does the Prime Minister's own Delivery Unit say about the Government's approach to fighting terrorism?

"They say: 'The strategy is immature, the forward planning is disjointed, and accountability for delivery is weak'

"Doesn't he realise that you can't fight terrorism by simply introducing ever more draconian legislation?

"Isn't it time we gave our police and security forces the extra resources and manpower they need - and set up a properly constituted national Border force?

"Wouldn't that be rather better than wasting billions on an Identity Card that won't stop a single terrorist?"

Rt Hon Geoff Hoon MP: "It might be rather better for a change if the Liberal Democrats lived in the real world and listened to the police rather than commenting on a leaked document.

"Because if they listened to the police the police have made clear what they require. They would like to have a three-month period in which they can hold terrorists before charge. The Liberal Democrats oppose that.

"The police have made clear that they need a range of provisions in a new terrorist bill that will allow the police to do their job properly protecting people in this country. As I understand it the Liberal Democrats have opposed that as well.

"He should go back to his constituents and ask them what they think about the efforts we need to protect this country from terrorism."