TerrorismRisk of Paris-, Nice-like terror attacks in U.K. remains a case of “when, not if”: Met commissioner
Britain is well prepared to prevent terrorist attacks similar to those which took place in France and Germany in recent weeks, but such an attack in Britain remains a question of “when, not if,” Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, the commissioner of the Metropolitan police has said. Hogan-Howe said he was hoping to reassure the British public in the wake of recent terrorist attacks on the continent, but he admitted that the reality of the situation made it impossible to guarantee that there would be no terrorist attacks in Britain.
Bullet holes in the window of the truck used in the Nice attack // Source: theconversation.com
Britain is well prepared to prevent terrorist attacks similar to those which took place in France and Germany in recent weeks, but such an attack in Britain remains a question of “when, not if,” Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, the commissioner of the Metropolitan police has said. The Telegraph reports that Hogan-Howe said he was hoping to reassure the British public in the wake of recent terrorist attacks on the continent, but he admitted that the reality of the situation made it impossible to guarantee that there would be no terrorist attacks in Britain.
“I know that with each new outrage and especially those on our doorstep in Europe, there is a greater sense of fear that Britain will be the next victim in this wave of cruel and mindless mass murder,” he said.
“I feel and understand that fear and as the police officer in charge of preventing such an attack, [I] know that you want me to reassure you. I am afraid I cannot do that entirely.
“Our threat level has been at severe for two years – it remains there. It means an attack is highly likely. You could say it is a case of when, not if.”
Hogan-Howe said everyone had watched the recent terrorist attacks with “a terrifying and depressing sense of horror and dread.” However, despite people’s growing concerns, he said there were “lots of things working in our [the U.K.’s] favor.”
The relationship between MI5, MI6, and police was a “world beater,” he said, which had helped prevent terror incidents since the murder of Lee Rigby in 2013.
He also noted that the United Kingdom is an island and has strict gun controls as contributing factors, and referenced “the British way of life and culture.”
“Firstly, the vast majority of our officers are unarmed. I truly believe this gives us a far healthier relationship with the people we police. Our neighborhood officers — the ones who know their streets, who know their environment and who know many of the names of the people in their communities — are our major weapon. They are our eyes and ears on the street.
“Secondly, it is our tolerance and acceptance. Our approach to Muslims is no different because these attacks purport to be committed in the name of Islam. We don’t stigmatize the millions of British Muslims whose values and faith completely reject the terrorists’ litany of hate.”
Hogan-Howe highlighted specific steps which were implemented after last November terrorist attacks in Paris. The number of firearms officers has been increased by 600 to 2,800 and the number of specialists available immediately, 24/7, to tackle any terrorist threat, had risen three-fold, he said.
“I realize that some of what I am telling you today is not reassuring,” Hogan-Howe said. “I hope that some of it is more so. The threat we all face is very real, no one watching events in Europe can think otherwise. But it is important that we have a shared understanding of the work that goes on every day to stop attacks happening, and to prepare for the time when we are faced with this terrifying threat.”
The Met commissioner urged people to unite to reject the ideology espoused by terrorists. “We will not become like them, we will not hate, we will not be cowed and because of this, they will never win,” he said.
