Although the terrorist threat level upgrade has been described by officials as something of a preventative measure, the new status of ‘Severe’ means that terrorist attacks in the UK are considered to be highly likely.
The Government’s announcement comes just two months after the plot by Yemen-based members of terrorist group Al Qaida to smuggle explosive materials on board US cargo plans by means of innocuous-looking printer cartridges.
For its part, the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) is urging public sector organisations to engage with the private security industry and thus further reduce the chances of terror attacks from occurring on the UK’s transport networks.
In doing so, the Trade Association is keen to actively (and rightly) highlighting the important role played by the security industry in the fight against terrorism.
BSIA Section members (such as those within the Police and Public Services Section, the Civil Aviation Security Section, the Security Guarding Section and the CCTV Section) are at the very forefront of the provision of effective security measures for the national transport system. That being the case, they’re extremely keen to co-operate with the police and security services to overcome this growing threat.
Diverse and ever-changing terror threat
Ashley Smith, chairman of the BSIA’s Civil Aviation Security Section, commented: “The terror threat posed to the UK is, by its very nature, diverse and ever-changing, with terrorist groups constantly developing new methods of attacking our country’s transport network.”
He added: “The escalation of the terrorist threat level means that complacency is not an option. It also proves that extensive security measures are an essential defence, both for the travelling public and for potential victims on the ground.”
The private security industry and the BSIA’s own Civil Aviation Security Section are already assisting the UK’s security services to counter the threat of terrorism at airports, and would urge all UK security services to continue to engage with the BSIA at all levels.
“Although we understand that airport security measures can sometimes be inconvenient and uncomfortable for travellers,” concluded Smith, “it’s important that members of the general public understand the crucial role they play in ensuring the safety of their journey. Therefore, customer co-operation is always greatly appreciated.”
To find out more about the excellent work carried out by the BSIA’s Civil Aviation Security Section visit the website (a dedicated link is provided on the right hand panel of this page)
