Counter-terrorism
Protect
Strengthening our protection against terrorist attacks.
Terrorists aim to attack high-profile targets where they can have the maximum impact and cause the most casualties. So we need to reduce our vulnerability to terrorist attack.
The protect strand involves a wide range of work including:
- strengthening border security
- protecting key utilities
- making the public transport system safer
- protecting crowded places
The critical national infrastructure provides essential services to everyone. Damaging that infrastructure could cause a large-scale loss of life. Intelligence shows that terrorists are interested in attacking the infrastructure, so we've put into place a major programme to protect it.
We have improved the protection offered to essential services such as emergency services, power, water, telecommunication and transportation.
Making crowded places safer
Because terrorists aim for the highest loss of life possible, we also focus on protecting crowded places. We have provided security advice to sports venues and shopping centres, and expanded programmes to protect air, sea and rail travel systems.
We are not just working to reduce the risk to existing places but, in partnership with architects and planners, we are actually designing buildings and public spaces that will be more resilient to terrorist attack.
With industry, we are working on improved building materials - from tougher glass that does not shatter dangerously, to bollards and barriers that can withstand the impact of a fully-loaded truck travelling at speed.
Using cutting edge technology
We are investing in the latest science and technology to ensure we can find dangerous materials earlier.
Recent research we've conducted enables us to detect new hazards more quickly and to take appropriate action.
Speed boat terrorists
Watch a video on how we're using new technology to stop terrorists.
Watch more videos on our YouTube channel (new window).
