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30 years of terror? Britain faces terrorist threat until 2038

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Britain will be vulnerable to terrorist attacks for another three decades, according to a major report by Lord Stevens.

The study, commissioned by David Cameron, warns that Britain's borders are insufficiently protected and that militants can enter the country undetected. There is "no indication that the [terrorist] threat level will reduce significantly" for "at least 20 to 30 years," said the author of the report, former Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lord Stevens. "There is no doubt more attacks will be attempted against the UK and those involved are again likely to travel abroad for preparation. Others may travel to the UK for the sole purpose of carrying out attacks."

"The lack of a clear border security strategy has resulted in a situation where agencies are unaware of where their shared priorities lie," Lord Stevens said. "Border Protection Service for the UK: Policy Proposals" highlighted some of the threats to the UK's border security, including fears that it is now easier to enter the UK's airspace by light aircraft. There are many small airfields within easy flying distance of continental Europe, thereby facilitating the movement of people or illicit goods, it found.

Protection at some British airports is also poor, Lord Stevens claimed, pointing to the lack of armed police on duty when two suspects attempted to blow up Glasgow Airport last year.

Measures to intercept suspicious foreign mail were "inadequate to provide sufficient border control and security as the current automated scanning and physical inspections cannot ensure all items are thoroughly checked". Lord Stevens added: "The air cargo system is vulnerable to security threats including potential plots to place explosives aboard aircraft; illegal shipments of hazardous materials; criminal activities such as smuggling and theft; and potential hijackings and sabotage by persons with access to aircraft."

He also called for more "regulation of private security companies working at airports and sea ports" and said the screening of those who work for them is necessary.

Overall, he said, "there can be no overall indication of whether or not the taxpayer is receiving value for money on the control of borders".
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5 responses // 30 years of terror? Britain faces terrorist threat until 2038

  • Last time I flew abroad was to Barcelona from Stansted. I walked through all the security checks fine and was confronted by a sign that said please take your shoes off for checks. Only problem was, there was no one there checking the shoes, meaning everyone just sauntered on by, the authorities none the wiser to any of the passengers packing C4 in their shoes.

    It's crazy.
    mattbrawn
  • Thats why the War on Terror is so brilliant, After the Cold war ended they needed another enemy to keep the populations in fear and what better than a war on something that is never ending and cant be won. Its like having a war on sarcasm. You can never win the war on terror, its an abstract thing.
    cubbingabout
  • oh and posts like this in the MSM just propogate it
    cubbingabout
  • Well it business as usual for the UK then. There have been terrorist attacks here for the last 30 years.
    Jimmy_Underdog
  • Our heartfelt thanks go out to George W.Bush Dick Cheyney and Tony Blair for this gratifying news
    themanwithadog

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