| Summary
Transport systems are particularly vulnerable to terrorist attack. The threat to the UK's transport network was demonstrated tragically by the bombings on London Underground trains and a bus on 7 July, and its continued vulnerability by the further bombing attempts on 21 July. The threat to the network remains high, and all possible measures need to be taken to prevent a repetition of these events. Inadequacies in the present arrangements must be identified and rectified quickly. Parliament must be assured that the arrangements for the protection of the travelling public are in excellent condition.
The committee invited the Secretary of State for Transport, and officials from the Transport Security and Contingencies Directorate of the Department (TRANSEC), to answer questions on the state of protective security on UK transport networks on 2 November. This was a preliminary hearing and, as a result of what we heard then, we have announced an inquiry into aspects of protective security on UK transport networks, with further hearings next year.
Among the issues we examined on the 2 November, and shall be examining further are:
- The level and nature of the threats to UK transport networks
- The process by which protective security is directed by 'threat information'
- Coordination amongst the relevant intelligence and security agencies to support the work of TRANSEC
- Cooperation between the Government and the transport industries to ensure the security of the travelling public
- The resources available to TRANSEC and how it reports its activities publicly
- The role of the public and the news media in ensuring that protective security measures in place are fully effective
A fully functioning transport network is essential to the economic life of the nation. All too often we take this for granted. The events of 7 July have demonstrated that this is no longer an affordable luxury.
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