LIB DEMS CALL FOR LONDON SPECIFIC TERROR ADVICE FOR EVERY HOUSEHOLD

12.01.00am GMT Wed 8th Dec 2004

At a meeting of the London Assembly later today that focuses on how the capital is geared up to cope with terrorism, the Liberal Democrats have called for the Mayor to introduce a specific London-centric information pack, to be distributed to households in Council Tax bills, about what the public should do in the event of an attack.

The Liberal Democrats argue that although the Home Office sent information to all households across the country earlier this year, it failed to deal with specific issues that are unique to London. They have called for the Mayor and the Home Office to learn from the New York leaflet that provides tailor made information for the city's residents.

Leader of the London Assembly Liberal Democrats, Graham Tope, said:-

"The capital faces a higher threat of terrorism than anywhere else in the country and so it is vital that specific information can be given to Londoners so they know what to do in the event of an attack.

"With such an extensive Tube network and a high concentration of housing right across the capital, Londoners must be given the right information for what they should do to protect themselves and their families from harm.

"By providing tailor made information for Londoners, sent out with Council Tax bills, the Mayor would ensure that people get the information that they need and which is relevant to them, allaying people's fears while not spending huge amounts of cash distributing it."

ENDS

Notes to editor

The London Assembly will be discussing London resilience and disaster recovery on Wednesday 8th November 2004 from 10am in the Chamber of City Hall.

The Liberal Democrats would like to see information provided to all London households in a similar way that New York households emergency management information. A copy of the New York leaflet can be found at:-

http://www.nyc.gov/html/oem/pdf/readyny_eng_0504.pdf

The London Assembly Liberal Democrats would like specific information on London including:-

1/Tube safety/what to do in the event of an incident on the Tube

2/Explain the role of the Mayor as spokesman in an emergency

3/Local radio frequencies

4/Local areas contact numbers & details of local safe areas (or where to find those details)

5/Information on what to do if an incident occurs when you're in a tall/large (office) building

6/ How to cope with extreme weather conditions

The 2004 Council Tax bill solely included information on flood damage prevention.