UK infrastructure protection needs a rethink
The Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC) has today warned that it is unclear how well essential national infrastructure is protected against a terrorist attack
The security supply industry, one of the four sectors represented by SBAC (together with civil air transport, defence and space), is calling for a debate to determine if further regulation of private infrastructure providers is needed to protect key facilities against a broad range of threats.
The security industry, a key partner with the authorities in preventing terrorist attacks, can only be effective if it is fully engaged by the Government and private infrastructure providers. Further legislation may be needed to empower public and private bodies, such as the utility regulators and infrastructure operators, to take into account security provision when judging investment and competition issues.
Hugo Rosemont, SBAC Security Spokesman, said:
"It is unclear how well the UK's critical national infrastructure is prepared for, and protected against, terrorist attacks. With facilities such as power stations and transport hubs in private hands – thus required to focus on getting the best return for shareholders – there needs to be a debate about whether further regulation is needed to ensure that these vital facilities are adequately secured.
"Just because the newspaper front pages and TV bulletins are dominated by the recession regrettably this does not mean that the terror threat has disappeared. The authorities, assisted by the UK security industry and its world-leading products, are hard at work every day to prevent new terror attacks in Britain. However, to be successful over the long-term the security industry must be fully engaged by infrastructure providers.
"The Government rightly recognises that it cannot tackle security challenges alone and that industry is a key component of the fight against terrorism. The UK security industry possesses a broad range of capabilities that can support the Home Office and other agencies in the field of national security. We are keen to continue the close working relationship that the industry has established with the UK authorities to protect the UK population, its businesses and its infrastructure. To do this the public sector should consider devoting greater attention in its planning documents to the role that the private sector should play."
