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| You are staring at: Home > News | 11th February |
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| Concrete blocks will prevent terrorist attack, says government 31 May 2003 The government has denied that Britain is unprepared for a terrorist attack. Facing mounting criticism from select committees, terrorism experts and the owner of a small betting shop in East London that countries like the United States and Australia are better prepared, the Home Office was compelled to respond. "I am utterly confident that we are taking the right preventative steps and that we are taking the right steps to be ready if a terrorist attack occurred," Home Office minister Lord Falconer explained clearly on Radio 4 today. "The government is doing everything appropriate." In the Australia, Canada and the United States, exercises have been carried out to simulate attacks, including a mock car bomb, fires and explosions, giving emergency services the chance to train in realistic situations. In the UK, a similar exercise planned for Bank tube station was postponed before the war in Iraq. Concrete blocks have, however, been placed around Parliament and other potential targets in London. "In a situation like September 11th it is clear how effective these approximately metre-high concrete blocks would be in preventing a terrorist attack," said anti-terrorism expert Douglas Ramsbottom. "In Washington they have portable missile launchers and fighter jets. In London we have concrete blocks like the ones they use on motorways during road works. I hope you feel as safe as I do." Lord Falconer was more positive about the blocks' effectiveness. "OK, they may not do that much to stop an airliner being flown into the Houses of Parliament, but in all honesty there's not a lot we can do about that in any case. Not that people should be afraid, of course," he enthused. "No, these blocks are designed to stop cars laden with explosives being driven into the buildings. They probably wouldn't stop a truck or a Land Rover, but we feel we have the threat from Minis pretty much covered." The minister dismissed public criticism in which the blocks were described as an eyesore and a trip-hazard. "These blocks are a necessary device to prevent terrorist attacks," he argued. "They may not look that attractive, but neither does a whacking great tank parked in the Commons car park. And if pedestrians are falling over them then that shows just how effective they are! Just imagine if a mad suicide bomber tried to run at the Downing Street gates – he'd fall flat on his face before he got anywhere near. That's how good our anti-terrorist measures are." Police have warned the public to be on the lookout for Olympic hurdlers with explosives strapped round their waists.
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