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03/07/2003
US and UK to mount counter-terrorism exercise
Since September 11, from Afghanistan through to Iraq and Northern Ireland, the US and UK security services have been working more closely together, and that is set to continue as the two nations come together to mount a joint counter-terrorist exercise, it was announced today.
The exercise, which will involve participation at a "senior level on both sides of the Atlantic", will focus on improving emergency planning and response strategies, and is set to take place in 2005.
Speaking ahead of his speech in this evening's Intelligence and Security Debate, the Home Secretary David Blunkett said: "Exercises are essential to our work on counter-terrorism. They allow us to test systems thoroughly, train frontline responders, and highlight vulnerabilities.
"Our exercise programme leads the way in counter-terrorist planning and is one of the best in the world; hijacks, chemical and biological attacks and nuclear devices have featured in recent scenarios.
"In the past these have generally been conducted in private. These major exercises mark a new direction towards more complex, larger scale exercises, with greater public involvement, which will add a new dimension to our ability to deal with terrorism and potential terrorist attacks.
"The public have a right to know about what we are doing to fight terrorism, and also understand that some information needs to be kept secret, to protect the lives of those who work hard behind the scenes."
The joint exercise was agreed at the meeting of the Joint Contact Group of senior counter-terrorism officials in Washington on June 13.
The group agreed to work towards a date in 2005 for the exercise, which will require detailed and complex planning to ensure that all participants gain as much as possible from it.
In addition, David Blunkett announced that the Secretary of State for Transport, Alistair Darling, is finalising plans for a counter-terrorist exercise on London Underground.
The exercise will take place by the autumn; a further announcement will be made nearer the time.
(GMcG)
The exercise, which will involve participation at a "senior level on both sides of the Atlantic", will focus on improving emergency planning and response strategies, and is set to take place in 2005.
Speaking ahead of his speech in this evening's Intelligence and Security Debate, the Home Secretary David Blunkett said: "Exercises are essential to our work on counter-terrorism. They allow us to test systems thoroughly, train frontline responders, and highlight vulnerabilities.
"Our exercise programme leads the way in counter-terrorist planning and is one of the best in the world; hijacks, chemical and biological attacks and nuclear devices have featured in recent scenarios.
"In the past these have generally been conducted in private. These major exercises mark a new direction towards more complex, larger scale exercises, with greater public involvement, which will add a new dimension to our ability to deal with terrorism and potential terrorist attacks.
"The public have a right to know about what we are doing to fight terrorism, and also understand that some information needs to be kept secret, to protect the lives of those who work hard behind the scenes."
The joint exercise was agreed at the meeting of the Joint Contact Group of senior counter-terrorism officials in Washington on June 13.
The group agreed to work towards a date in 2005 for the exercise, which will require detailed and complex planning to ensure that all participants gain as much as possible from it.
In addition, David Blunkett announced that the Secretary of State for Transport, Alistair Darling, is finalising plans for a counter-terrorist exercise on London Underground.
The exercise will take place by the autumn; a further announcement will be made nearer the time.
(GMcG)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
