Gordon Brown reveals 'Fortress Britain' plan

By Philip Johnston, Home Affairs Editor
Last Updated: 2:38am GMT 16/11/2007Page 1 of 3

Train passengers face routine airline-style bag checks and body searches as part of a new counter-terror crackdown announced by Gordon Brown.

He conjured up visions of ''Fortress Britain" as he unveiled a succession of security measures at airports, railway stations, sports venues and other public places.

There is also to be a huge "hearts and minds" drive aimed at diverting young Muslims away from the influence of fanatics.

The Prime Minister said a review of vulnerable buildings and crowded spaces like shopping centres had led to a rethink of the way they are protected.

More than 250 busy railway stations, airports and seaports as well as 100 "sensitive" installations like power stations and electricity substations will be given extra security.

This could include screening luggage at major stations like London King's Cross or Manchester Piccadilly using mobile checking devices that can be moved around the country.

More buildings will be defended by barriers to stop car bomb attacks, extra blast-proofing, vehicle exclusion zones and metal detectors.

New security guidance is being sent out to sports venues, pubs, clubs and bars, shopping centres and tourist attractions together with thousands of cinemas and theatres, restaurants and hotels.

Advice will also be given to hospitals, schools and places of worship on how to keep visitors safe.

Some 160 counter-terrorism advisers will train civilian staff to identify suspect activity and ensure premises have adequate emergency facilities and make best use of their CCTV footage.

At the same time, however, restrictions on aircraft hand baggage - introduced after an alleged plot to blow up trans-Atlantic flights last year - are to be eased.

The one-bag limit and tougher screening of luggage will be progressively lifted, starting with several airports from Jan 7.

In a wide-ranging Commons statement, Mr Brown outlined elements of a new national counter-terrorist strategy being drawn up in Whitehall.

Extra protection for so-called ''crowded places" is planned following a review by Lord West, the Security Minister.

It was prompted by the summer terrorist attacks in London and at Glasgow airport.

Mr Brown said that no "major failures in our protective security" had been uncovered by Lord West's review.

However, the results will not be published to avoid alerting the terrorists to the country's weak spots.

Mr Brown conceded there had to be a balance between excessive security and public protection against terrorism.

''We must ensure that the travelling public are able to go about their business in the normal way," he said.

''In the most sensitive locations, for example some large rail stations - and whilst doing everything to avoid inconvenience to passengers - we are planning additional screening of baggage and passenger searches."

It is currently unclear who will bear the costs of any security improvements.

Downing Street suggested that Ministers were advising - rather than ordering - railway stations and other facilities to adopt new measures.

A spokesman said the protection of individual buildings ''is the responsibility of the people who own them" and the Government's main role was to offer advice.

Architects and planners will be encouraged to 'design-in' protective security measures, including safe areas, traffic control measures and the use of blast resistant materials, into new buildings,

Mr Brown also outlined a ''hearts and minds" assault to counter the influence of radical fundamentalists in Britain's schools, universities, mosques, youth clubs and prisons, as well as on the internet.

The move follows the warning last week by Jonathan Evans, the MI5 chief, that al-Qa'eda was systematically "grooming" children as young as 15 to carry out attacks in Britain.

A new forum of headteachers will be convened to find ways to protect pupils from extremist propaganda.

A police and security intelligence and research unit will be set up to identify, analyse and assess youngsters at risk of falling under the influence of extremists.

Global technology and internet companies are being asked to help stop the spread of jihadist propaganda on the internet.

''This is a generational challenge which requires sustained work over the long term and by a range of actions in schools, colleges, universities, faith groups and youth clubs," Mr Brown said.

"There is no greater priority than the safety and security of our people and building the strongest possible relationships across all faiths and communities," he said.

"I believe it possible to build a stronger consensus that will both root out terrorist extremism and build more vibrant and cohesive communities."

Mr Brown's statement followed an abrupt U-turn from Lord West who appeared to question Government plans to seek an extension to the 28-day limit for holding terrorist suspects without charge.

The minister - a former head of the Royal Navy - told BBC radio that he had yet to be see evidence to convince him that the limit should be raised.

Ninety minutes later - after meeting Mr Brown - he said he was convinced.

Lord West denied he had changed his mind, but was rather a "simple sailor" who had not chosen his words well.

David Cameron, the Tory leader, said Mr Brown's statement contained "a number of good ideas".

He accepted tougher measures were needed because the terrorist threat was now of "a completely different order" to that faced in the past.

But he added: "As a nation we also need the hard-nosed defence of our liberties."

Vincent Cable, the acting Liberal democrat leader, said: "Our main concern remains the issue of pre-charge detention."

Gordon Brown reveals 'Fortress Britain' plan - Telegraph

Passengers face searches at rail stations - Telegraph