LACK OF TERROR PROTECTION ADVICE FOR LONDON 'DEEPLY WORRYING'

2.07.31pm GMT Wed 8th Dec 2004

Following the London Assembly hearing today into how prepared the capital's emergency services are able to deal with a 'catastrophic incident', Liberal Democrats today voiced serious concerns about the failure to have plans in place to properly inform and reassure Londoners in the event of an attack.

Key concerns highlighted by the London Assembly Liberal Democrats include:

· The lack of specific information to Londoners in what to do in the event of an attack

· The confusion about who will reassure and lead Londoners following an attack

· The lack of plans prepared by the emergency services about how to prevent the public from panicking and causing an unplanned mass evacuation of London

· The lack of information on basic protection measures that Londoners could easily access

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

"While it is clear that the emergency services have got in place most of the equipment that they would need in order to deal with a terrorist attack, it is deeply worrying that there appears to be very little thought being put into how to provide basic information to the public.

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

"It is vital that the emergency services, Ministers and the Mayor urgently work closely together to make sure that Londoners have the information they need to both reduce fear and protect themselves in the event of an attack."

ENDS

Notes to editor

The London Assembly Liberal Democrats have called for a London specific protection leaflet to be provided to all residents in the capital via their Council Tax Bills